j
Here is
a picture of
a fortune.
The widow's mite. It wasn't
much. Yet it was
everything. God isn't
preoccupied with the
amount we give but He is
concerned with what's
going on in our heart as we
give. The widow's love
made her gift a fortune!
God has chosen to
advance His work through
you and your gift. But not
by twisting your arm. He
knows that if you've really
given Him your heart, you'll
also give your dollars.
When you reach into your
purse or wallet to support
the Sabbath School offering
this week, reach into your
heart also. That's where
God is looking when
you give.
Open Heart
Let God's love show through your giving.
Sincerely~yep
rs,
Walter R.L. Scragg,
President
ALTER R. L. SCRAGG,
PRESIDENT
B. B. BEACH.
SECRETARY
R. UNNERSTEN,
TREASURER
;ENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
NORTHERN EUROPE—WEST AFRICA DIVISION
LEPHONE:
Et
ALBANS
60331
119 ST. PETER'S STREET. ST. ALBANS.
YELEGRAMSICABLEE:
HERTFORDSHIRE. ENGLAND. ALl 9EY
'•AWENTIST
sr.
ALBANS
.
'
January 1, 1977.
Fellow Sabbath School Members Around the World,
Once more the thoughts of the world Sabbath Schools are turning
toward the Northern Europe - West Africa Division. Sabbath Schools
in nine European and nine African countries join in sending Christian
Greetings to their brothers and sisters everywhere!
So much that is good and fruitful has come from Sabbath School
offerings. We thank you for helping make Newbold a strong and effective
training college. Our high schools and colleges in Europe and West
Africa rejoice in the 13th Sabbath overflows received.
The Adventist Seminary of West Africa represents the accomplish-
ments and hopes of the church in this region. Staffed by a mix of
highly trained national and overseas workers, ASWA recently entered
into an affiliation programme with Andrews University. This will
enable our African students and workers to continue their advanced
education within the church educational system. And now with your help
we are building ASWA a brand new library and auditorium building.
Severe overcrowding, the leasing of facilities in different parts
of Oslo and restrictions on the use of more efficient equipment are
among the reasons for rebuilding the Norwegian Publishing House.
Another project which benefits this 13th Sabbath is in Finland where
our Junior College at Toivonlinna desperately needs new buildings.
We have already done some rebuilding. With your gifts to swell the
funds available even more will be possible. The training of our
Finnish workers depends on Toivonlinna, and the provision of adequate
facilities at Toivonlinna depends on you.
A mix of publishing and Christian education institutions seems a
typically Adventist celebration of the Advent cause this coming 13th
Sabbath. We thank you for past blessings shared with us and look for
added expansion and success for the work of God in Northern Europe-
West Africa through your support in March.
God bless you.
1—ASSL 1-77
The life.story of the greatest spiritual Leader the world has ever known—Jesus
Christ. THE DESIRE OF AGES has been acclaimed by many as the most signifi-
cant and deeply spiritual life of Christ ever written. It has given comfort to millions
of readers the world over.
What better way than to examine the life of Christ and how He communicates to
us? THE DESIRE OF AGES is available in several editions at your local Adventist
Book Center; or order through your church lay activities secretary.
hh
D
CI
11
o
Brought to you by Pacific Press
UP
DAYBREAK
SERIES
Adult Sabbath School Lessons / No. 327, January-March, 1977
Contns
1. Moral Principles
7. The Christian and Human Need
2. God and Man
8. Honor Between the Sexes
3.
Standards and Principles 9. The Christian and the State
4.
Our Words and Witness
10. The People Around Us
5.
Honesty
11. The Moral Use of Power
6.
The Christian and His Living
12. The Moral Man
13. Strength for Moral Action
The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department
of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons
is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which
serve as consulting editors.
Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012
Lesson Author: W. P. Bradley
Editor: W. Richard Lesher
Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore
Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat
Art and Design: Concerned Communications
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NEB. From
The New English Bible,
copyright@ by the Delegates of the Oxford University Press,
and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press 1961 and 1970. Used by permission of
Cambridge University Press, New York City.
Phillips. From
The New Testament in Modern English,
Revised Edition, copyright © 1958, 1959,
1960, 1972 by J. B. Phillips. Used by permission of The Macmillan Company and Collins Pub-
lishers.
RSV. From the
Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1946 (renewed © 1973), 1952 and
© 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in
the U.S.A., and used by permission.
Braille lessons available. See page 112.
Adult Sabbath School Lessons (regular edition). Single copy, 40 cents; four issues (1 year) $1.50;
no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific
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Copyright 1976 by Pacific P;
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ess Publishing Association
5
Have You Ever
Tried Living
On One Meal
A Week?
It's possible to survive on one meal a
week. For a few weeks. But within a
short time you'll discover you are suf-
fering a loss of physical strength.
Likewise, your spiritual strength de-
pends on a regular consistent diet of
spiritual food.
A Sabbath morn-
ing sermon and a
Sabbath School
class discussion
once a week are not
enough to provide
the strength needed
for a life of spiritual
victory.
Daily Bible study is not an option tc
spiritual life; it is basic—not dessert but
the main course. Regular Sabbath
School lesson study is also essential
spiritual food; it is your opportunity to
follow an organized program, covering
the broad scope of
Biblical truth.
Why not decide
that your spiritual
diet deserves at
least the attention
you give the physi-
cal. God's table is
the place to feast.
Daily Feast
An invitation to dine at God's table
GIVE GLORY TO GOD
Studies in Christian Behavior
Introduction
"To give glory to God is to reveal His character in our own, and thus make Him
known. And in whatever way we make known the Father or the Son, we glorify
God."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 979.
The first angel's message calls on God's people to "give glory to him [God]." Jesus
indicated that glory is given to God as a result of the good works of believers. These
lessons on Christian behavior are a study of how to give glory to God in our everyday
experience. By believers' Christlike behavior the character of God is held up before
the world, and the true Christian will give to God all the glory that results from it.
This behavior of the Christian by which God is glorified results from faith in Jesus
Christ. These two—faith and behavior—must always be united. Ellen White, in
Steps
to Christ,
pages 57-61, discusses the danger of either behavior or faith standing
alone. Of behavior without faith she wrote:
"The love of influence and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a
well-ordered life. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish
heart may perform generous actions. By what means, then, shall we determine whose
side we are on?
"Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to
converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's,
our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are
is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and
please Him in all things."—Page 58.
Of faith without behavior she wrote:
"That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation
of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption. 'By grace are ye saved through
faith.' But 'faith, if it hath not works, is dead.' Ephesians 2:8; James 2:17. Jesus said of
Himself before He came to earth, 'I delight to do Thy will, 0 My God: yea, Thy law is
within My heart.' Psalm 40:8. And just before He ascended again to heaven He
declared, 'I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.' John 15:10.
The Scripture says, 'Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His command-
ments.... He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk even as He
walked.' 1 John 2:3-6."—Page 61.
These two dangers, behavior without faith and faith without corresponding be-
havior, should not frighten us off from a study of Christian ethics. These lessons on
Christian behavior must be seen as faith seeking to know and to do God's will. Ellen
White has urgently counseled the church about maintaining deportment distinct
from the world:
"As the truth is brought into practical life, the standard is to be elevated higher and
higher to meet the requirements of the Bible. This will necessitate opposition to the
fashions, customs, practices, and maxims of the world. Worldly influences, like the
waves of the sea, beat against the followers of Christ to sweep them away from the
true principles of His meekness and grace; but we are to stand as firm as a rock to
principle. It will require moral courage to do this, and those whose souls are not
riveted to the eternal Rock will be swept away by the worldly current. We can stand
firm only as our life is hid with Christ in
God."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 146.
7
All principles upon which moral action is
based begin with God's revelation
through His Word.
1. MORAL PRINCIN
MORAL PRINCIPLES
LESSON 1 December 26 to January 1
"The way of the just is uprightness:
thou, most upright, dost weigh the
path of the
just
' (Isa. 26:7).
The principles that are concerned
with right and wrong ways of behaving
are often called
moral
principles. In
order for behavior to be distinctly
Christian it must be based on Christian
moral principles.
These principles are revealed in the
Bible. In practice there is always the
danger that biblical moral principles
will
be
diluted with standards from
other sources, such as non-Christian
religions, human philosophies, or the
examples of worldly people. There is
constant danger that members of
Christ's family on earth may do this.
Therefore it is always appropriate that
we reexamine the Bible principles of
behavior in relation to how we are
actually conducting ourselves.
Ellen White clearly states the value
of the Scriptures as the standard of
conduct:
"God has not only revealed to us the
doctrine of the atonement, holding
out the hope of eternal life, but His
words are the manna from heaven for
the soul to feed upon and receive
spiritual strength. The Bible is the
great standard of right and wrong,
clearly defining sin and holiness. Its
living principles, running through our
lives like threads of gold, are our only
safeguard in trial and temptation.
"The Holy Scriptures were the
essential study in the schools of the
prophets, and they should hold the
first place in every educational system,
for the foundation of all right
education is a knowledge of God.
Used as a textbook in our schools, the
Bible will do for mind and morals what
cannot be done by books of science
and philosophy. As a book to
discipline and strengthen the intellect,
to ennoble, purify, and refine the
character, it is without a rival.
"God cares for us as intelligent
beings, and He has given us 1-fis word
as a lamp to our feet and a light to our
path. Its teachings have a vital bearing
upon our prosperity in all the relations
of life. Even in our temporal affairs it
will be a wiser guide than any other
counselor. Its divine instruction
points the only way to true success.
There is no social position, no phase of
human experience, for which the
study of the Bible is not an essential
preparation."—Counsels
to Teachers,
p. 422.
This first lesson of the quarter points
out the source and need of Christian
moral principles for the believer.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Ethics and Morality (Micah 6:8)
2.
Sources of Morality (Ps. 33:4, 5;
1 John 2:29)
3.
Decision (Prov. 1:10; Gen. 39:9)
4.
Need of Guidance (Ps. 32:8; 25:9)
5.
Some Christian Virtues (2 Peter
1:5-7)
6.
A Call to High Standards (Prov.
4:23-27)
Moral Principles
LESSON 1
❑
Sunday
December 26
Part 1
"He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good; and what doth
ETHICS AND the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy,
MORALITY and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8). (See James
1:27.)
Ethics is the study of the rightness or wrongness of human
conduct or judgment. It includes the organization and analysis
of moral principles, and is thought of as the science of morals
and of moral conduct. Morality is the practice of right conduct
by a person, a community, or a nation. The moral person makes
a discrimination between right and wrong resulting in rectitude
of life and thought. Morality has to do with righteousness, vir-
tue, and justice.
What are some examples of how spokesmen for God en-
deavor to point out wrongdoing and to lift the moral standards
of the people? Jer. 22:3; 1 Cor. 6:6-10.
Systems of ethics have been developed by philosophers.
These may have a certain intellectual appeal, but they cannot be
accepted as the norm for Christians who live in the world but are
not of the world. (See John 17:15, 16.)
"Morality cannot be separated from religion. Conservative
tradition received from educated men and from the writings of
great men of the past are not all a safe guide for us in these last
days; for the great struggle before us is such as the world has
never seen. The brethren who have not acted a part in this work
in the past need to move with far greater caution in regard to
that which they accept and that which they refuse."—Medical
Ministry,
p. 99.
One who has met and accepted Jesus as his Lord must ever
follow where He leads.
To stand approved of God is the highest goal of life.
"Of Job, the patriarch of Uz, the testimony of the Searcher of
hearts was, 'There is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an
upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil.'
"—
Education,
p. 155.
THINK IT THROUGH
What examples of high ethical principles can you recall
from your observation of the lives of people?
"Now is the time to obtain a moral fitness for heaven.... God
requires His followers to be men of good report, as well as to be
pure, elevated, and honest; kind, as well as faithful. . . . The
principles of the law of God must be developed in the life and
character. An amiable temper, combined with firm integrity and
faithfulness, will constitute a moral fitness for any position."—
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 367.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 366-368.
10
Moral Principles
LESSON 1
❑
Monday
December 27
Part 2
"For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done
SOURCES in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment; the earth is
OF MORALITY full of the goodness of the Lord" (Ps. 33:4, 5).
"If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that
doeth righteousness is born of him" (1 John 2:29).
Clubs, associations, family traditions, newspaper editorials,
and philosophical treatises are among the influences that pur-
port to provide wisdom on how to behave. But the Christian's
thoughts are tuned to another guidance system from which he
derives his ideals and inspiration. These are the same sources
from which he received his Christian faith at his conversion and
from which he draws daily strength to live. These sources are
not inherent in his nature or generated within himself but come
to him from above by interaction with God and His Holy Spirit.
They originate in the character and will of God as revealed to
man in the Bible and the inspired testimonies of His servant.
The idea of righteousness is ever associated with God, His
law, and all of His acts. (See Ps. 145:17; 19:9; Rev. 16:5.) Jesus
exhorted His listeners to be perfect even as their Father in
heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:48). In the Bible God has made a
self-disclosure of His nature, and to Him we can look for a
knowledge of the good and the right.
THINK IT THROUGH
Give a summary of God's nature as revealed in the Bible.
How does divine nature contrast with unconverted human
nature?
"Many need to take frequent lessons from the life of Christ,
who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.... You are to show a
growth in the Christian graces. By manifesting meekness under
provocation and growing away from low earthliness you give
evidence that you have an indwelling Saviour, and every
thought, word, and deed attracts men to Jesus rather than to
self."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 597.
"All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a per-
fect, harmonious whole, and every one who receives Christ as a
personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes."—
Christ's Object Lessons, p. 330.
"The character of God, His love manifested in giving His Son
to die for the world, and the beauty of holiness, are exalted
themes for contemplation. These will strengthen the intellect,
and bring man into close communion with the Infinite One."—
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
p. 49
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 541, 542.
11
Moral Principles
LESSON 1
❑
Tuesday
December 28
Part 3
"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not" (Prov.
DECISION 1:10).
"How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against
God" (Gen. 39:9)?
God has made man free in a very real sense. He is free to make
choices that involve every aspect of life—clothing, food, recrea-
tion, thoughts, work, marriage, religion, friends, hobbies, edu-
cation, money, and his relation to society.
When we have made a wrong decision, what does David's
experience teach us should be our attitude toward our mis-
take and toward God? 2 Sam. 24:10. (Compare 2 Cor. 7:9-11.)
There could be no moral meaning to life if humans did not
have this power to make choices. If they were made by nature so
that they acted rightly automatically, there would be no ground
to consider duty, conduct, or any standard of right; they would
only be responding to an unchosen impulse. But God has made
us with the power to decide, and herein lies responsibility for
our actions.
THINK IT THROUGH
When discussing a situation, what does the use of the word
"ought" imply?
"In
Pilgrim's Progress
there is a character called Pliable.
Youth, shun this character. Those represented by it are very
accommodating, but they are as a reed shaken by the wind.
They possess no will power. Every youth needs to cultivate
decision. Adivided state of the will is a snare, and will be the ruin
of many youth. Be firm, else you will be left with your house, or
character, built upon a sandy foundation."—My
Life Today,
p. 73.
"In the work of redemption there is no compulsion. No exter-
nal force is employed. Under the influence of the Spirit of God,
man is left free to choose whom he will serve. In the change that
takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the
highest sense of freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the
soul itself."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 466.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Friends by the Mammon of Un-
righteousness," p. 374 (p. 378 in 1923 ed.).
12
Moral Principles
LESSON 1
❑
Wednesd
ay
December 29
Part 4
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou
NEED OF shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Ps. 32:8).
GUIDANCE
"The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he
teach his way" (Ps. 25:9).
The Bible teaches that man's nature is sinful and depraved.
This being the case, how can man hope, unaided, always to
discern and choose the right and the good? Without divine aid
he is doomed to a life of trial and error and frequent defeat.
The sinner, his nature weakened through transgression, finds
that it is "impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the
power of
evil."—Steps to Christ,
p. 17. It is equally true that he
cannot, without divine help, make the right choices.
One who endeavors to choose the right on the basis of human
reason has no assurance that his choice will be the right one.
The very faculties he employs in making a decision are subject
to the pride and selfishness of the natural human heart.
What is the source of sinful passions? Mark 7:21-23.
This is why the Christian, understanding the hazards of his
sinful condition, admits that he needs a revelation of truth from
outside himself and reaches out in faith to understand and
follow the will of God.
"The power of a higher, purer, nobler life is our great need.
The world has too much of our thought, and the kingdom of
heaven too little.
"In his efforts to reach God's ideal for him, the Christian is to
despair of nothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the
grace and power of Christ, is promised to all. Jesus is the source
of pbwer, the fountain of life. He brings us to His word, and from
the tree of life presents to us leaves for the healing of sin-sick
souls. He leads us to the throne of God, and puts into our mouth
a prayer through which we are brought into close contact with
Himself. In our behalf He sets in operation the all-powerful
agencies of heaven. At every step we touch His living
power."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 478.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 290.
13
Moral Principles
LESSON 1
❑
Thursday
December 30
Part 5
"For this very reason make every effort to supplement your
SOME CHRISTIAN faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge
VIRTUES with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and
steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly
affection, and brotherly affection with love" (2 Peter 1:5-7,
RSV). (Read also verses 2-4.)
Peter gives us herewith a dependable list of moral qualities to
be developed in our lives. There are other good lists in the Bible.
In Galatians 5:22, 23 is Paul's list of the "fruit of the Spirit," and
certainly these will be seen as one grows in Christian "gentle-
ness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."
What virtues did Jesus teach would be characteristic of
citizens of the kingdom of heaven? Matt. 5:2-12.
The Christian will give evidence of these virtues in his daily
work as a craftsman, in carrying on his chosen profession, in his
business dealings, in his thoughts and words. Jesus
exemplified all of these high qualities in His life, and He is our
pattern.
"Who of us is faithfully following the Pattern? Who of us has
instituted and continued the warfare against pride of heart?
Who of us has, in good earnest, brought himself to wrestle with
selfishness until it should no longer dwell in the heart and be
revealed in the
life?"—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 18.
THINK IT THROUGH
Which of the following is most important in influencing my
choices: church rules, attitude of friends, personal moral re-
sponsibility, pastor's sermons? Are my actions always mor-
ally right if my motive is good?
"He [Christ] laid aside His glory, His dominion, His riches, and
sought after those who were perishing in sin. He humbled Him-
self to our necessitaes, that He might exalt us to heaven. Sac-
rifice, self-denial, and disinterested benevolence characterized
His life. He is our pattern.... We cannot equal the pattern; but
we shall not be approved of God if we do not copy it and,
according to the ability which God has given, resemble it."—
Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 549.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 147, 148.
14
Moral Principles
LESSON 1
❑
Friday
December 31
Part 6
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues
A CALL TO of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips
HIGH STANDARDS put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine
eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet,
and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand
nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil" (Prov. 4:23-27).
It is woven into the very fabric of Christianity that one should
search to know the right and make that knowledge a pattern for
his own personal behavior.
In the striking words of an Old Testament prophet to God's
people, what are they admonished to do? Isa. 1:16, 17.
It is this striving to do the right, to know and follow God's will,
in cooperation with divine grace, that develops character. It is
our privilege to realize that whatever people may think of us,
God knows exactly what we are. Reputation is what the world
thinks of a man or a woman; character is what a person really is.
No one can injure one's character but he himself. Character is
the sword; reputation is the scabbard. When the gates of
heaven swing open to welcome the victors in life, their reputa-
tion will be left behind them; but their characters will be with
them through all eternity.
What are the six plus one things God hates? Prov. 6:16-19.
"Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?" asks the
prophet, and then gives the answer: "He that walketh righte-
ously, and speaketh uprightly; . . . and shutteth his eyes from
seeing evil; he shall dwell on high" (Isa. 33:14-16).
THINK IT THROUGH
What do you think is the role of Seventh-day Adventists
today in the fabric of the community where they live?
"The work of every true Christian is to represent Christ, to
reflect light, to elevate the standard of morals, and by words and
influences consecrated to God, to compel the careless and
reckless to think of God and eternity. The world would gladly
drop eternity out of their reckoning, but they cannot succeed so
long as there are those who represent Christ in their practical
life."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 132.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 294, 295.
15
2 GOD
AND MAN
GOD AND MAN
LESSON 2 January 2-8
"For my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways, saith the Lord. For as the
heavens are higher than the earth, so
are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts"
(Isa. 55:8, 9).
God is the source of the Christian's
moral responsibility. The believer's
acceptance of this responsibility is
based on five points of belief: First,
that there is a God; second, that God
is and should be in ultimate control;
third, that God is concerned with
man's behavior; fourth, that God will
finally judge man for his response to
his duties and privileges in life; and
fifth, that the believer has a personal
relationship with God.
God has not left us to struggle in
ignorance in coping with the great
issues of human existence. He has
given His Word, the Bible. He has sent
His Son Jesus, the Living Word, to
teach us, to draw us, and to redeem
us.
The more God has revealed to us of
His nature and will, the more
responsibility falls upon us to respond
and to seek His way. We could never
find our way without God's help; and
with His help there is no excuse for not
finding it. In this fact lies the great
burden of moral responsibility that
rests upon each soul on our planet.
To those who are lost in the moral
wilderness of this evil world, the first
needful step is to acknowledge that
God is sovereign and that He deals
justly. To do so clears away
immediately a multitude of hesitations
and bickerings and gives men a fin
foundation on which to approach all
their moral judgments. The ultimat
issue then becomes very clear, that'
man's relationship to His God.
There are two ways of writing
history. One is the secular, which
ignores the existence of God and H
presence in human events. The
secular writer hears no divine voice
and acknowledges no divine force
the rise and decay of nations. To hii
the flow of human history has beet
determined by such things as
geography, economics, and human
ambition.
It is true that these have greatly
influenced the growth and
development of peoples; but in th
Christian view of history God must
always be taken into account. Bible
prophecy helps us see God's action
history. The Christian acknowledge
the truth stated so aptly by Ellen
White:
"To every nation and to every
individual of today God has assignee
place in His great plan. Today men a4
nations are being measured by the
plummet in the hand of Him who
makes no mistake. All are by their c,A
choice deciding their destiny, and
God is overruling all for the
accomplishment of His
purposes."—Education, p. 178,
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
God Created Man (Ps. 8:5, 6)
2.
God Came to Redeem Sinful Ma
(Rom. 5:8).
3.
God Will Judge Man (2 Cor. 5:11
4.
God Is Ruler (Dan. 4:17)
5.
Man's Need of God (Ps. 23:1-3)
6.
Man's Response to God (Rom.
12:1; Ps. 95:6)
It is the mercy and justice in God's
character which provide the rationale for
human ethics.
God and Man
LESSON 2
❑
Sunday
January
2
Part 1
"For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and
GOD CREATED hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to
MAN have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all
things under his feet" (Ps. 8:5, 6).
The Bible affirms that man was created by God in a special act
at a given time. It lends no support to the theory that man slowly
developed in response to the operation of natural law.
How is the God of the Bible distinguished from the gods of
the nations? 1 Chron. 16:26; Acts 17:24, 29.
God made man with a superior order of intelligence. The
brain in man is most mysterious and wonderful. The cortex,
which is the seat of thinking, judgment, speech, and memory, if
ironed out flat would be as large as a newspaper page, yet it is
far more than a clever computer.
"The most sophisticated cybernetic device is still a primitive
instrument when compared with the human brain."—Time,
book review of
Man and Memory,
Nov. 30, 1970.
God planned for man to be deeply involved in his earthly
environment points to the wisdom shown by God who created
man and the earth to be together. And it was all good; it exhi-
bited the vast intelligence of our great God, as Creator and
Sustainer of all.
The process of creation is something that we cannot under-
stand. We come closest to catching a glimpse into it as we listen
to the physicists tell us how matter can be converted into
energy. Creation is the reverse of this.
When we accept the fact of our creation by God, it is reason-
able also to accept as best His plan for the order of our lives. It
means listening to His voice, thinking His thoughts after Him,
and not only depending upon Him, but admiring Him, learning
from Him, yes, loving Him.
THINK IT THROUGH
As you think of man and his world as given to us by our
Creator, try to show from the Bible or your own observation
how our created world gives evidence of divine (1) purpose,
(2) wisdom, and (3) design.
"As regards our responsibility and influence, we are amena-
ble to God as deriving our life from Him. This we do not obtain
from humanity, but from God only. We are His by creation and
by redemption."—Testimonies
to Ministers,
pp. 422, 423.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 50, 51.
18
God and Man
LESSON 2
❑
Monday
January 3
Part 2
GOD CAME TO
REDEEM SINFUL MAN
THINK IT THROUGH
"God commendeth his love toward us, in that. while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).
In the middle of human history stands the cross of the
crucified One. He is both God and Creator, yet joined in com-
passion to the human race to redeem it.
Surely no study of ethics and morality can escape the lessons
and the judgments of that cross. The world had been beguiled
away from righteousness into sin, and because of that had
come under the sentence of death.
Were all men to die? Had they crossed a line, passed a point of
no return? Was their future hopeless? God had an answer full of
hope for all sinners. That plan culminated in Christ's cross, on
which He paid the penalty for our sins and made it possible for
us to receive by faith the merits of His sinless life record. What
more could He have done?
The redeeming sacrifice of Jesus draws us away from de-
fiance and revolt toward submission and obedience. It woos our
rebellious hearts with its message of love. It shows how the hard
sentence of judgment against sin may be diverted from the
repentant sinner, and he may step into that glorious freedom
awaiting all who repent and accept Jesus as Saviour.
In what way can we attain true freedom? John 8:36. What
result awaits those who ignore or neglect the proffered
grace? Heb. 2:2, 3.
In a world where cynicism of motives prevails, and skepticism
closes the prejudiced mind, the cross of Christ cries to us
inviting us to try to understand God's mind, His thought, His
will; and to turn to Him for redemption.
Jesus condemns all kinds of immoral behavior. He holds up a
pure, sinless pattern. Through Him we can attain an incorrupti-
ble crown that endures forever.
In what sense is Jesus the "desire of all nations" (Hag. 2:7)?
"THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Jer. 23:6)?
"Men hate the sinner, while they love the sin. Christ hates the
sin, but loves the sinner. This will be the spirit of all who follow
Him. Christian love is slow to censure, quick to discern peni-
tence, ready to forgive, to encourage, to set the wanderer in the
path of holiness, and to stay his feet therein."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 462.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 316, 317.
2-ASSI 1-77
19
God and Man
LESSON 2
❑
Tuesday
January
4
Part 3
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;
GOD WILL that every one may receive the things done in his body, ac-
JUDGE MAN cording to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor.
5:10).
THINK IT THROUGH
Read also Eccl. 12:13, 14; Ps. 96:13; and Matt. 3:12.
Sin and evil always stand under the judgment of God. God
never condones what He has declared to be sin. He will never
accept sin as a viable way of life. He cannot be in favor of or on
the side of sin.
How is the one described who fails to take sin seriously?
Prov. 14:9. (Contrast Ps. 4:4.)
Christ's death "was the means through which an end was to
be finally made of sin and Satan, and his host to be
vanquished."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 209.
Thus God has the moral right to destroy sin and those who
cling to it, and still be a righteous, loving God. But He is long-
suffering toward the sinner and wants him to escape the judg-
ment that finally falls upon those who refuse to separate from
sin.
When an individual consciously takes his stand with Christ
and identifies with His righteous life and His law, he must also
join Christ in His righteous judgment against sin. The mind of
Jesus with respect to sin must be our mind as well.
We must see God's judgment against sinners primarily as a
judgment against sin. If we are not agreeable to that the door of
redemption and reconciliation cannot open to us.
Why did Jesus say to the people of His time: "The men of
Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall
condemn it" (Matt. 12:41)? Have we any excuse if we also are
condemned in the judgment?
"The expectation of Christ's coming is to make men fear the
Lord, and fear His judgments upon transgression. It is to
awaken them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy.
Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their
souls by obedience to the truth."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 634.
"The One who has stood as our intercessor; who hears all
penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a
rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is
soon to cease His work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and
mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take
their place. He for whom His people have looked will assume His
right—the office of Supreme Judge."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7.
p. 989.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 486, 487.
20
God and Man
LESSON 2
❑
Wednesday
January 5
Part 4
What was the purpose stated by the Holy One for
GOD IS RULER Nebuchadnezzar's predicted loss of reason and kingship?
"To the intent that the living may know that the most High
ruleth in the kingdom of men" (Dan. 4:17).
A scientist cited the orderly operation of the universe as
evidence that there is a big Engineer that operates the universe.
But he was thinking only of God's regulation of the heavenly
bodies that hang and move in space.
God claims rulership in another sphere, the area of human
events. We may neglect Him, or overlook Him, or ignore Him, or
even doubt His presence; but He is nevertheless very much
present, and we need to take into account His sovereign author-
ity in all our thoughts and plans. He is referred to in the Bible as
the God of heaven and the God of the earth (Gen. 24:3; 2 Kings
19:15; 2 Chron. 20:6).
To one who has chosen the way of God, He becomes an ever
present companion and guide. The life is yielded to His lord-
ship; He takes His place as King; His followers are His subjects.
And the relationship is not forced and harsh, but willingly ac-
cepted and cherished.
Here in this rebellious planet God wants His people to ac-
knowledge Him before the world. He wants them to witness to
the excellency of His rulership. They are to give evidence that
their lives are not prey to the shifting tides of human opinion,
but are anchored to eternal power and authority.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are we sensitive and fearful lest we let others know that we
respect and obey a higher power? Do we show that we are out
of date when we acknowledge and honor God as our personal
Ruler?
"That which God purposes, man is powerless to disannul.
Even amid the working of evil, God's purposes have been mov-
ing steadily forward to their accomplishment.2=Prophets
and _
Kings,
p. 720.
"As the wheellike complications are under the guidance of
the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, so the compli-
cated play of human events is under divine control. Amidst the
strife and tumult of nations, He that sitteth above the cherubim
guides the affairs of the
earth."—Education,
p. 178.
FURTHER STUDY
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 499-502.
21
God and Man
LESSON 2
❑
Thursday
January 6
PART 5
Reflect on the Bible passage below. What does the symbol
MAN'S NEED OF GOD of the shepherd teach about God in His relation to men?
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to
lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still
waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name's sake" (Ps. 23:1-3).
Without God man is incomplete, and spiritually and intellec-
tually lost. God has revealed Himself through His Written Word,
in nature, in Jesus Christ, and in His presence through the Holy
Spirit. How ignorant and how subject to deception we would be
without this revelation!
We live in the midst of enemies—diseases that threaten our
physical lives, and temptations that threaten our spiritual lives.
We are "made captive by Satan, and would have remained so
forever had not God specially interposed."—Steps
to Christ,
p.
17. Sin is man's mortal enemy, not his friend. The truth concern-
ing God and our world illuminates our minds and dispels the
darkness, showing us what we really are and what we may
become. The truth, God's truth, and not our own human
theories and judgments, makes us free.
Those who have traveled widely in the world know how
people seem to want to worship, to reach out to a power above
themselves. The animist in the jungle, offering some food on a
banana leaf to the spirits, may be worshiping out of wonder,
perhaps out of fear. How precious the knowledge of God is to
him as he learns of God's power and love and receives Jesus as
his Saviour.
Recall how the apostle Paul, visiting Athens, stood on Mars'
Hill and proclaimed the existence of the true God to his audi-
ence (Acts 17:22-31). The response was typical of the attitude of
the world in every time: "Some mocked: and others said, We will
hear thee again of this matter. . . . Howbeit certain men clave
unto him, and believed" (verses 32-34).
THINK IT THROUGH
In what ways does your knowledge of and faith in God give
you strength and hope? Can you imagine how you would face
life without Him?
"God dwells in every abode; He hears every word that is
spoken, listens to every prayer that is offered, tastes the sorrows
and disappointments of every soul, regards the treatment that is
given to father, mother, sister, friend, and neighbor. He cares for
our necessities, and His love and mercy and grace are continu-
ally flowing to satisfy our
need."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
p. 105.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"The Sinner's Need of Christ," pp. 17-22.
22
God and Man
LESSON 2
❑
Friday
January 7
Part 6
"0 Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before
MAN'S RESPONSE the Lord our maker" (Ps. 95:6).
TO GOD
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1).
Here the relationship between God and us is outlined. He is
our Creator. He gives us life. He created us for a purpose. "In the
creation it was His purpose that the earth be inhabited by beings
whose existence should be a blessing to themselves and to one
another, and an honor to their Creator. All who will may identify
themselves with this purpose."—Education, p. 174.
Man's ideal response to God is to cease rebelling against Him
and to cooperate with Him. These two responses combine in a
person's acceptance of Jesus Christ.
"We are to surrender our hearts to God, that He may renew
and sanctify us, and fit us for His heavenly court. We are not to
wait for some special time, but today we are to give ourselves to
Him, refusing to be the servants of sin. Do you imagine you can
leave off sin a little at a time? Oh, leave the accursed thing at
once! Hate the things that Christ hates, love the things that
Christ loves. Has He not by His death and suffering made provi-
sion for your cleansing from
sin?"—Selected Messages,
bk. 1,
p. 327.
What effect will this close relationship with God have upon
our purposes, our judgments, our actions?
We come to Him in faith—Heb. 11:6.
We turn to Him in repentance—Ps. 38:18.
We confess and are forgiven-1 John 1:9.
He makes us new creatures in Christ-2 Cor. 5:17.
THINK IT THROUGH
Has there been a tendency lately in your life to think less
frequently of God or to be forgetful of Him? What is the basis of
your faith in God? Check those that apply: the Bible ( ) nature
( ) your father told you ( ) world events ( ) your conscience ( )
reason ( ) moon walks ( ) personal experience ( ) other ( ).
"If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you
will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if
with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call you come
wearing the yoke of Christ,—the yoke of obedience and
service,—all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties
will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront
you will,be
solved."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p.
101.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"True Motive in Ser-
vice" (Matt. 6:33, 34), pp. 98-101.
23
3 STANDAR any
Within the general principles of the Ten
Commandments are encoded the roots of all
moral issues for our relationship with
man and God.
Standards and Principles
LESSON 3
❑
Sunday
January 9
Part 1
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law"
LAW (1 John 3:4).
"For by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20).
"All thy commandments are righteousness" (Ps. 119:172).
•
Satan would like to see God's law defamed. He would like to
see the whole plan of redemption perverted by bringing about a
misunderstanding of the relation of the law to the gospel.
If there were no law, there would be no sin. Then the gospel
would lose its meaning, for it announces salvation from sin.
Then Christ would have died in a purposeless sacrifice, for His
death was to save people from sin, which would not exist with-
out the law.
What does the New Testament teach about God's Ten Com-
mandment law in relation to faith in Jesus? Rom. 3:31.
But what is the purpose of God's law? It is God's standard of
what is right and true. It expresses the mind of God (Ps. 40:8). It
declares the whole duty of man (Eccl. 12:13). The law ordains to
life those who keep its precepts (Rom. 7:10, 12). But man is not
standing where he was when created. He has left his original
relation to the law and the will of God. He is now under the law in
a relationship that makes it a ministration of death.
The law is an expression of God's character. To change the
law would mean either a change in God's character or a disas-
sociation of the law from His character. God will never do either
in order to extricate man from the dilemma of being condemned
by the law. The sin of disobedience must be dealt with in
another way. Obedience to God's law must continue to be the
standard of life for this world and the universe.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is it possible for Christians actually to love God's law? Is it
possible to have love for the very precepts that measure our
lives and point out our sin? If we reach the point where we love
God's law, can sin have power over us?
"The law was not spoken at this time exclusively for the
benefit of the Hebrews. God honored them by making them the
guardians and keepers of His law, but it was to be held as a
sacred trust for the whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue
are adapted to all mankind, and they were given for the instruc-
tion and government of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive,
and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and to his fellow
man; and all based upon the great fundamental principle of
love."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 305.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 467, 468.
26
Standards and
Principles
LESSON 3
❑
Monday
January 10
Part 2
"I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy
GOD SPEAKS IN ways" (Ps. 119:15).
HIS PRECEPTS
"I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right;
and I hate every false way" (Ps. 119:128).
THINK IT THROUGH
It is hazardous for us to substitute our unguided choice for
what God teaches in matters of morals and conduct. Nor is it
safe to look for guidance to our human reason in these matters.
Human reason has proved to be not always dependable. If
reason is to be the sole guide in moral problems, then only the
trained reasoner could know the right.
Jesus Himself illustrated how we should apply the teachings
and requirements of God's law to human situations. He showed
that the spirit and not just the letter should govern behavior.
(See Matt. 5:27, 28; 43, 44.) Human beings, finite and sinful,
need guidance in decision making. This guidance they can find
in the Bible; and the Spirit will enlighten them to know how to
apply the instruction to their living.
What is the key to true and ready obedience to the statutes
of God? Ps. 40:8; 119:77.
Many people associate the thought of law with unpleasant
restrictions on their actions, or maybe as something that will get
them into trouble. How shortsighted a view of the true nature of
the law! God's law provides the great guidelines of life, as the
compass at sea, or the map on the road.
Into what two sections are the Ten Commandments di-
vided? What do you think is the difference, if any, between the
laws of God and the laws of your city or state?
"It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of
obedience to His commandments: 'This is your wisdom and
your understanding in the sight of the nations.' Deuteronomy
4:6.
"Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, for the
purity of the home, the well-being of society, or the stability of
the nation. Amidst all life's perplexities and dangers and con-
flicting claims the one safe and sure rule is to do what God says.
'The statutes of the Lord are right,' and 'he that doeth these
things shall never be moved.' Psalms 19:8;
15:5."—Education,
p. 229.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Spirituality of the
Law" (Matt. 5:48), pp. 76-78.
27
Standards and
Principles
LESSON 3
❑
Tuesday
January 11
Part 3
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy,
HOLY AND and just, and good" (Rom. 7:12).
ETERNAL
"All his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever
STANDARDS and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness" (Ps. 111:7, 8).
Ellen White wrote the following pertinent statement:
"Vice and crime, and iniquity of all kinds, are steadily on the
increase. The penetrating power of Bible truth must show the
contrast between truth and
error."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 529.
It is amazing how people will try to accommodate standards
to fit the things they want to do. They rationalize concerning
what is right and what is duty so that a given type of conduct will
be socially approved. It is man's way of pandering to his lowered
stand ards and easing his conscience over his ethical shortcuts.
A holy and righteous God has established laws and standards
of conduct. God's laws do not change with each passing gener-
ation, sinking to a lower and still lower level as humankind
moves farther from Creation Day when God made man perfect.
Rather His statutes remain as beacons to give a steady, depend-
able light pointing the direction man should take.
How are children and grandchildren to learn correct princi-
ples? Deut. 6:6, 7.
THINK IT THROUGH
God's laws do not deviate or shift as one goes from country to
country or from one type of civilization to another. With Him
truth is always truth; purity is ever purity; idolatry does not
cease to be idolatry; integrity is unchangeable.
Analyze Psalm 19:7-9, gathering out the various adjectives
that describe God's law. How can law be said to rejoice the
heart? Verse 8. Does morality depend on what we feel or on
what God declares?
"These monstrous doctrines [that the elect can never fall
from grace] are essentially the same as the later teaching of
popular educators and theologians—that there is 'no un-
changeable divine law as the standard of right, but that the
standard of morality is indicated by society itself, and has con-
stantly been subject to change. All these ideas are inspired by
the same master spirit—by him who, even among the sinless
inhabitants of heaven, began his work of seeking to break down
the righteous restraints of the law of God."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
p. 261.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 262-264.
28
Standards and Principles
LESSON 3
❑
Wednesday
January 12
Part 4
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the
THE NEW prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say
TESTAMENT unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall
AND THE LAW in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matt. 5:17,18).
It is curious how some Christians have looked upon the Old
Testament times as the dispensation of law and the New Testa-
ment era as the dispensation of grace, as if the reign of law after
Christ had come to an end. Today's text refutes that concept. So
do other New Testament passages.
Notice Paul's comment on the use of the law, pointing out
how the law condemns lawlessness and disobedience. (See
1 Tim. 1:8-10.)
Recall how James argued that the law stands as a unit and we
are not at liberty to observe one part and ignore another. (See
James 2:10-12; 1:25.) Note that the apostle John taught that
followers of Jesus are under obligation to keep the command-
ments of Jesus. (See 1 John 2:4.)
No release from obedience to God's law and will exists in the
New Testament, though we search it from Matthew to Revela-
tion. Grace is offered, but not release from obedience. Surely
every true Christian would want it that way. Certainly as he
thinks upon life and duty, he wants his life to be free from sin.
What is the relationship between faith in Jesus and the law?
Rom. 3:31.
THINK IT THROUGH
Ask yourself—Do I want to know the right, really desire to
follow it, to reject self-justification, to make no excuses for my
past conduct?
"God has given us His holy precepts, because He loves man-
kind. To shield us from the results of transgression, He reveals
the principles of righteousness. The law is an expression of the
thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our
thought. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tend-
encies, above temptations that lead to sin. God desires us to be
happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying
them we might have joy. When at Jesus' birth the angels sang,—
'Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, good will toward men' (Luke 2:14), they
were declaring the principles of the law which He had come to
magnify and make honorable."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 308.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Spirituality of the
Law" (on Matt. 5:17, last half), pp. 48-51.
29
Standards and
Principles
LESSON 3
❑
Thursday
January 13
Part 5
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we
LOVE IS love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of
COMMANDMENT God, that we keep his commandments: and his command-
KEEPING ments are not grievous" (1 John 5:2, 3).
Christian love, as it fills the heart, does not draw the posses-
sor away from keeping God's commandments. Love that per-
tains to God would necessarily be an upright, obedient, moral
love.
Love for a neighbor or associate would never allow us to
wrong him, to treat him shabbily, to be less than honest and true
with him and faithful to his best interest. Love for God will result
in our honoring Him through obedience as well as in singing His
praise.
A feeling of love does not make our every act or judgment
right without regard to what God teaches us is right. The princi-
ple of love is the fulfilling of the law. (See Rom. 13:10.) Senti-
mentality could lead us astray with regard to our love to our
fellowmen and to God, and His love to us. Neither God's love nor
our love relieves us from the necessity of having regard for
God's precepts.
Is it Paul's intention in Romans 6:14, 15 to teach that keep-
ing God's law is not required? Explain.
Because of their wrong conduct Adam and Eve were cast out
of the Garden; Satan and one third of the angels of heaven were
cast out; Saul lost the kingship of the nation of Israel; and
Ananias and Sapphira suffered the sentence of death.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are your motives for obeying God? Love? Loyalty?
Fear? Social pressure? Reward?
Notice how Revelation 14:12 reads in the new English Bible:
"This is where the fortitude of God's people has its place—in
keeping God's commands and remaining loyal to Jesus."
"God's great object in the working out of His providences is to
try men, to give them opportunity to develop character. Thus He
proves whether they are obedient or disobedient to His com-
mands. Good works do not purchase the love of God, but they
reveal that we possess that love. If we surrender the will to God,
we shall not work in order to earn God's love. His love as a free
gift will be received into the soul, and from love to Him we shall
delight to obey His command
ments."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
p. 283.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
p. 668.
30
Standards and
Principles
LESSON 3
❑
Friday
January 14
Part 6
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those
LAW IN days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in
THE HEART their minds will I write them" (Heb. 10:16).
God's laws written in the hearts of His children is the purpose
of the gospel. Without the law written there, the Christian is in
danger of being a cold legalist, smug in spiritual blindness.
Who is the power that promotes spiritual blindness in the
minds of those that believe not? 2 Cor. 4:4.
A knowledge of the law and of one's own shortcomings can
leave one with a "certain fearful looking for of judgment" (Heb.
10:27). In fact, of ourselves we are unable to keep God's law and
we remain under God's disapproval. But if we are will-
ing to comply with God's plan, He has two ways to deal with our
human impossibilities:
1.
He writes His law in our hearts, making us willing and
cooperative as regards the keeping of His holy law. The Holy
Spirit does this writing in the "fleshy tables of the heart" (2 Cor.
3:3).
2.
When we do our best in carrying out God's will and fall
short, we still have an advocate in "Jesus Christ the righteous"
(1 John 2:1).
The goal of the plan of salvation is to restore the image of God
in man and to bring about righteousness in his life. So the
penitent sinner experiences the new birth, submitting to the
writing of God's law in his heart, and constantly growing in
grace and a knowledge of God. (See 1 John 2:29.)
"If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells in us, our
feelings, our thoughts, our purposes, our actions, will be in
harmony with the will of God as expressed in the precepts of His
holy law.. . . .
"The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has
been,—just what it was in Paradise before the fall of our first
parents,—perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righ-
teousness... .
". . . If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your
Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you
are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of
your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you
had not sinned."—Steps
to Christ,
pp. 61, 62.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 372, 373.
31
it OUR WORDS Al
A Christian's attention to his words implies
more than refusing to lie and slander.
lwrnsiess
OUR WORDS AND WITNESS
LESSON 4 January 16-22
"Lying lips are abomination to the
Lord: but they that deal truly are his
delight" (Prov. 12:22).
One of the surest indexes of high
moral standards in one's life is
trustworthiness in words and witness.
Deception is so common that ,people
learn to be on their guard against
being led astray. In some situations
the plainest lies are used, repeated
again and again, as a matter of policy.
In other situations a tendency on the
part of a speaker to exaggerate lowers
the quotient of belief on the part of the
average listener. Advertising
sometimes verges on the unbelievable
or raises false expectations. What
man, trying to sell his old automobile,
would call attention to its faults and
weaknesses? But could a Christian fail
to deal truly and fairly with his
"neighbor' ?
A lie is a statement or action made
with intent to deceive. As Christians
we must not onlyavoid deception, but
also go the second mile and make sure
that the other party is not
misunderstanding us and thus being
misled. There should be no
"credibility gaps" with respect to the
words and actions of Christians. If
such exist, not only is a grievous
wrong done to the other party, but it
follows that there could be no
foundation of confidence on which to
lead others into spiritual truth.
"Let truth telling be held with no
loose hand or uncertain grasp. Let it
become a part of the life. Playing fast
and loose with truth, and dissembling
to suit one's own selfish plans, means
shipwreck of faith. 'Stand therefore,
having your loins girt about with
truth. Ephesians 6:14. He who utters
untruths sells his soul in a cheap
market. His falsehoods may seem to
serve in emergencies; he may thus
seem to make business advancement
that he could not gain by fair dealing;
but he finally reaches the place where
he can trust no one. Himself afalsifier,
he has no confidence in the word of
others."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 76.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Truthfulness of God (Titus 1:2)
2.
The Father of Lies (John 8:44)
3.
Speaking the Truth (Eph. 4:15)
4.
Wordiness and Talebearing (Prov.
10:19; 17:9)
5.
Criticism (Rom. 2:1)
6.
Messengers of Truth (2 Cor. 6:4-7)
Our Words and Witness
LESSON 4
❑
Sunday
January 16
Part 1
"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised
THE TRUTHFUL- before the world began" (Titus 1:2).
NESS OF GOD
Only if God is truthful do we have a firm basis for the hope of
salvation. He has said that if we come to Him in contrition He will
forgive us (1 John 1:9); if we thirst for righteousness we shall be
satisfied (Matt. 5:6); Jesus will provide for Hischildren a home in
heaven (John 14:2, 3); the redeemed become heirs of all the
gospel promises and benefits (Gal. 3:29; Titus 3:7). God has
pledged His word and is fully on record as to His plans for this
world and those who believe Him.
How does God describe His own character? Ex. 34:6.
We have every reason to believe that God is truthful, that we
can accept His word and put our full trust in Him. It is true that
His statements regarding us are often conditional, and the out-
come will depend on our response or attitude. The Bible gives
abundant evidences of God's truthfulness and dependability. It
illustrates how His word has been proved. The most prominent
and important of these are the Messianic prophecies recorded
in the Old Testament. These prophecies promised the Mes-
siah's coming, even giving time, place, and many other details.
One list, gleaned from the Old Testament, gives 46 different
aspects of His coming. All of these were exactly fulfilled in the
New Testament record. Christ's acts and words made His work
and the purposes of His Father in heaven believable to the
listeners.
What did Jesus' adversaries acknowledge concerning
Him? Matt. 22:16.
How important in our lives are the words "faith." "trust,"
"belief," "confidence," "assurance" with respect to God!
THINK IT THROUGH
Can you think of incidents in your experience that have led
you to the belief that God is trustworthy?
"As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposi-
tion. His willing hands were ever ready to serve others. He
manifested a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truth-
fulness that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle firm as a
rock, His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 68, 69.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Asking to Give," p. 147 (p. 146 in
1923 ed.).
34
Our Words and
Witness
LESSON 4
❑
Monday
January 17
Part 2
"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father
THE FATHER ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode
OF LIES not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he
speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the
father of it" (John 8:44).
The description of Satan, the devil, is a very uncomplimentary
one, yet not overdrawn. Jesus in heaven had every reason to
know the character of Satan, and on earth He branded him a liar.
In most societies this is the most insulting term that can be used
of an adversary. Yet Christ did not hesitate to use it of Satan.
In what condition are those who accept the ways of Satan?
2 Tim. 2:26.
The word "devil" literally means "slanderer." Satan has
shown this characteristic again and again. He slandered the
character of God and the fairness of His government before the
angels of heaven, speaking falsehoods and misrepresenting
God's nature and His purposes. In the Garden of Eden the devil
lied about God to Eve and Adam and by his insinuations and
temptations brought about their moral fall. As a liar Satan was
expelled from heaven (Rev. 12:9) and will never regain resi-
dence there; nor will his children. (See Rev. 22:15.)
What reason is inferred in Second Corinthians 11:13,14 why
Satan would want to masquerade as an angel of light?
"Disguised as an angel of light, he [Satan] will walk the earth
as a wonder-worker. In beautiful language he will present lofty
sentiments. Good words will be spoken by him, and good deeds
performed. Christ will be personified, but on one point there will
be a marked distinction. Satan will turn the people from the law
of
God."—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
pp. 471, 472.
THINK IT THROUGH
Can you think of lies that are being circulated today about
God to deceive people so they will not turn to Him?
"Now [after Christ's ascension] the guilt of Satan stood forth
without excuse. He had revealed his true character as a liar and
a murderer. It was seen that the very same spirit with which he
ruled the children of men, who were under his power, he would
have manifested had he been permitted to control the inhabi-
tants of heaven. He had claimed that the transgression of God's
law would bring liberty and exaltation; but it was seen to result
in bondage and degradation."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 502.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 526, 528.
35
3-ASS L 1-77
Our Words and Witness
LESSON 4
❑
Tuesday
January 18
Part 3
SPEAKING
THE TRUTH
What two traits does Paul link together in Ephesians 4:15?
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in
every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Eph. 4:15,
RSV). (Read also Eph. 4:29; 5:4.)
Speaking the truth is a precious Christian virtue and one of
the brightest evidences of Christian morality. There is such a
lack of it that one who always speaks the truth even to his own
hurt becomes marked in a community and becomes known as a
person of the highest integrity.
Always to be truthful and honest sets a student apart when,
for example, he refuses to cheat in a school examination even
when he could easily do so.
There are said to be some cooks who, when asked to give a
choice recipe to a friend, leave out an important ingredient
rather than to disclose the full truth and the secret of their
success.
Children are expected to be truthful with their parents. But
are parents always scrupulously honest with their children? Do
parents have a freedom to lapse from the truth that is not
allowed to children?
Also, what about truthfulness in one's work? In each business
or profession there are special temptations to evade the truth.
Can you think of a time when someone was grievously wronged
by not being told the truth? Should an employer tell the
employee the truth, and vice versa? Also, in what spirit? A long
list of questions could be compiled covering the subject of
truthfulness.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what other ways besides speaking a lie can a person
convey an untruth?
"Life's best things—simplicity, honesty, truthfulness, purity,
integrity—cannot be bought or sold. They are as free to the
ignorant as to the educated, to the humble laborer as to the
honored statesman."—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 198.
"A slight deviation from truth, a little variation from the re-
quirements of God, is thought to be, after all, not so very sinful,
when pecuniary gain or loss is involved. But sin is sin, whether
committed by the possessor of millions or by the beggar in the
streets."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 311.
"The Lord requires of all who profess His name a strict ad her-
ence to truth. This will be as salt which has not lost its savor, as a
light amid the moral darkness and deception of the world."—
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 356.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 309.
36
Our Words and
Witness
LESSON 4
❑
Wednesday
January 19
Part 4
"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that
WORDINESS AND ref raineth his lips is wise" (Prov. 10:19).
TALEBEARING
"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that
repeateth a matter separateth very friends" (Prov. 17:9).
While some people by nature are withdrawn and quiet, in
contrast some are talking incessantly. What is the nature of all
this talking? Much of it may be pointless; it doesn't edify or
instruct. Often it is about the individual who is doing the talking
and then it can become extremely boring. Again it rambles on
about all the common acquaintances and may include a gener-
ous amount of gossip.
The Bible states some very clear principles about speech.
1.
The mouth discloses what is in the heart (mind) (Matt.
12:34, 35).
2.
Corrupt communication is condemned (Eph. 4:29).
3.
The tongue needs to be bridled (James 1:26; Ps. 39:1).
4.
Speech should be used to communicate our hope (1 Peter
3:15).
5.
Our words will be reckoned as a factor in the judgment
(Matt. 12:36).
6.
Controlling the mouth avoids trouble (Prov. 21:23; Matt.
5:37).
7.
Speech should minister grace (Eph. 4:29).
Talebearing (gossip) comes in for special condemnation
(Lev. 19:16). Solomon says that a person of "a faithful spirit"
conceals rather than reveals an evil report (Prov. 11:13).
There must have been a great deal of this wanton gossip in
Israel, for there is so much said against it. It was also pointed out
and condemned in the New Testament church (1 Tim. 5:13).
THINK IT THROUGH
"The spirit of gossip and talebearing is one of Satan's spe-
cial agencies to sow discord and strife, to separate friends,
and to undermine the faith of many in the truthfulness of our
positions."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 195.
It might be profitable for each one to make some new resolu-
tions about his future exercise of speech.
"Upon every family, upon every individual Christian, is laid
the duty of barring the way against corrupt speech. When in the
company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to
change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of
the grace of God we should quietly drop words or introduce a
subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable,
channel."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 337.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Talents" ("speech"), pp. 335-339
(pp. 338-342 in 1923 ed.);
The Desire of Ages,
p. 323.
37
Our Words and Witness
LESSON 4
❑
Thursday
January 20
Part 5
"Therefore thou art inexcusable, 0 man, whosoever thou
CRITICISM art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou con-
demnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things"
(Rom. 2:1).
THINK IT THROUGH
Whether it is called judging or criticism, it is of the same
nature. It reflects one's own sins and comes under the condem-
nation of the Bible. Jesus condemned it and labeled the one
who practices it a hypocrite (Matt. 7:1-5). Christ's words sound
in our ears today, and we should listen to them: "He that is
without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" (John
8:7).
Especially must we be careful not to put a stumbling block in
the path of a brother (Rom. 14:13).
The principal reason Christians should refrain from criticiz-
ing and judging is that they cannot understand the heart and
read the motives correctly. Therefore judgment must be left to
God (Rom. 14:10). Eventually all circumstances both good and
bad will be made plain (1 Cor. 4:5).
What was God's reaction to the criticism of Moses by Aaron
and Miriam, his brother and sister? Num. 12:1-10.
Leaders of the church have often been subjected to critical
attitudes and unkind judgments. Ellen White penned an admon-
ition worthy of our attention today:
"Let those who have used the talent of speech to discourage
and dishearten God's servants, who are striving to advance
God's cause, planning and working to master hindrance, ask
God to forgive them for the injury they have done to His work by
their wicked prejudices and unkind words. Let them think of the
harm they have done by spreading false reports, by judging
those they have no right to
judge."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 84.
While we should not criticize others, what is the value of
self-criticism? Where should this be done? In open confes-
sion? In secret?
"We want to show to the world that we have a faith that is
elevating, that it makes us kind, courteous, self-denying; and
begets in us love and reverence for God, and makes us Christian
ladies and gentlemen. We must pray more earnestly for the
grace of Christ which is essential for us if we preserve our
integrity and spiritual life. If any one comes to you and begins to
tell you of the faults of another, if you cannot stop that voice in
any other way, lift your voice and sing the Doxology. Vain talkers
and mischiefmakers are Satan's agents in doing his work."—
Manuscript
4, 1885.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 288, 289;
Education,
pp. 235, 236.
38
Our Words and Witness
LESSON 4
❑
Friday
January 21
Part 6
"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of
MESSENGERS God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distres-
OF TRUTH ses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in
watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by
longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love un-
feigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the
armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left"
(2 Cor. 6:4-7).
The world is full of false messiahs, of elusive cures for the
world's evils, of voices that deny truth, and of ignorance and
misunderstanding of God and His government. Jesus came not
only to redeem man but also to expose error and to reveal God's
character. His teaching had-the ring of authority and carried its
own verification (John 7:46). He declared that the truth would
set men free (John 8:32).
What descriptive word is often applied to the gospel in the
New Testament? 1 Tim. 2:4; Heb. 10:26; 2 Peter 2:2.
We are making the highest use of the power of speech when
we use it to proclaim God's truth, either in a public way or in
private to a friend. "The power of speech is a talent that should
be diligently cultivated. Of all the gifts we have received from
God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With
the voice we convince and persuade, with it we offer prayer and
praise to God, and with it we tell others of the Redeemer's
love."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 335.
The apostle Peter was a ready speaker, but his speech could
at times be impetuous and ill-advised. However, after Peter was
converted, his talent of speech enabled him to preach that
mighty Spirit-filled sermon on the Day of Pentecost when
thousands were led to receive Christ. A ready tongue, con-
verted, is an asset, not a handicap.
THINK IT THROUGH
What can I do to make my voice heard in teaching the truth?
"Wherever we are, we should watch for opportunities of
speaking to others of the Saviour. If we follow Christ's example
in doing good, hearts will open to us as they did to Him. Not
abruptly, but with tact born of divine love, we can tell them of
Him who is the `Chiefest among ten thousand' and the One
'altogether lovely.' Cant. 5:10, 16. This is the very highest work
in which we can employ the talent of speech. It was given to us
that we might present Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 339.
FURTHER STUDY
Messages to Young People,
pp. 200-202.
39
5. HONCSW
saw)
oar
-
J.
sac
mac
Honesty involves more than avoiding
criminal activities.
HONESTY
LESSON 5 January 23-29
"Recompense to no man evil for
evil. Provide things honest in the sight
of all men" (Rom. 12:17).
Honesty includes those traits of
character held by a person who does
not lie, cheat, or steal. A week's lesson
has been devoted to truthfulness. This
week we will note honesty, primarily
from the viewpoint of not cheating or
stealing. However, lying is so close a
partner to cheating and stealing that it
is nearly unavoidable that we shall
sometimes refer to it also.
When we emphasize love as a basic
element in the Christian's life, we see
that honesty is a vital aspect in the
expression of one's love to God and to
his neighbor. In the Christian context
it is impossible to imagine the
existence of a love that does not
respect another'S reputation or
possessions.
The eighth commandment says:
"Thou shalt not steal" (Ex. 20:15). The
SDA Bible Commentary, vol.
1. p. 606,
points out that "Here the right to
possess property is set forth, a right
that is to be respected by others. For
society to exist at all, this principle
must be safeguarded, else there is no
security and no protection. All would
be anarchy."
Ellen White gives this specific
instruction: "In every business
transaction a Christian will be just
what hewants his brethren to think he
is. His course of action is guided by
underlying principles. He does not
scheme; therefore he has nothing to
conceal, nothing to gloss over. He may
be criticized, he maybe tested, but his
-
_unbending integrity will shine forth
'like pure gold. He is a blessing to all
connected with him, for his word is
trustworthy. He is a man who will not
take an advantage of his neighbor. He
is a friend and benefactor to all, and
his fellow men put confidence in his
counsel. . . . A truly honest man will
never take advantage of weakness or
incompetency in order to fill his own
purse. He accepts a fair equivalent for
that which he sells. If there are defects
in the articles sold, he frankly tells his
brother or his neighbor, although by
so doing he may work against his own
pecuniary interests.
"In all the details of life the strictest
principles of honesty are to be
maintained. These are not the
principles which govern our world, for
Satan, deceiver, liar, and oppressor is
the master, and his subjects follow
him and carry out his purposes. But
Christians serve under a different
Master, and their actions must be
wrought in God, irrespective of all
selfish gain."—My
Life Today,
p. 330.
"We are commanded to love God
supremely, and our neighbor as
ourselves; but the daily experience of
life shows that this law is disregarded.
Uprightness in deal and moral
integrity will secure the favor of God,
and make a man a blessing to himself
and to society; but amid the varied
temptations that assail one whichever
way he may turn, it is impossible to
keep a clear conscience and the
approval of heaven without divine aid
and a principle to love honesty for the
sake of the right."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
vol. 3, p. 1158.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Cultivating an Honest Mind (Phil.
4:8)
2.
Deviousness (Prov. 3:28, 29)
3.
Ethics in Business (Prov. 20:10, 14)
4.
A Workman's Ethics (Ex. 38:23)
5.
Honesty in Doctrine (2 Cor. 4:2)
6.
Mercy to the Repentant (Prov.
28:13)
Honesty
LESSON 5
❑
Sunday
January 23
Part 1
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
CULTIVATING AN things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
HONEST MIND things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be
any praise, think on these things" (Phil. 4:8).
We are to take account of and let all of these Christian virtues
play an active part in the life. Here is a course of mental activity
that is truly fruitful and constructive. Ethical decisions require
the cultivating of ethical thinking. Some may even say that
dishonesty is usually premeditated. Then those who strive for
good actions should prepare the mind, for to live right one must
learn to think right. Here the will comes into play by rejecting
dishonorable schemes and covetous ambitions from the
thoughts. Paul put the necessity for doing this succintly: "Cast-
ing down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). A good way to
accomplish this is to preoccupy the mind with worthy projects
and positive, constructive activities. The true end of life is not to
acquire money or goods or fame, but to develop character.
"You are responsible to God for the indulgence of vain
thoughts; for from vain imaginations arises the committal of
sins, the actual doing of those things upon which the mind has
dwelt. Govern your thoughts, and it will then be much easier to
govern your
actions."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 82, 83.
Where do sinful acts have their roots? Prov. 24:9; Matt.
15:19.
THINK IT THROUGH
If conscience tells me that I have done something that is not
scrupulously honest, what is my duty?
"This [applying Philippians 4:8] will require earnest prayer
and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding
influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward,
and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must
give diligent study to the word of God.... 'Thy word,' says the
psalmist, 'have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against
Thee.'
"—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 460.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp. 265-268.
42
Honesty
LESSON 5
❑
Monday
January 24
Part 2
"Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to
DEVIOUSNESS morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. Devise not evil
against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee"
(Prov. 3:28, 29).
THINK IT THROUGH
People become so infatuated by the charm of the things of
this world that they go to uncommon lengths to achieve their
material objectives. Sometimes the individual not only works
hard to reach his goal, but also he may take unfair advantage of
others to benefit himself. Deviousness almost always implies
laying a plan that will take advantage of another's gullibility,
ignorance, or trust.
What moral lessons are there in the story of Jacob and
Esau? Gen. 25:29-33; 27:1, 15-19, 30-33, 41.
The
SDA Bible Commentary, vol.
1, p. 606 mentions situations
where individuals deviate from the straight way: "They steal
who conceal goods from a customs inspector or misrepresent
them in any way, or who make out false or misleading tax
returns, or who cheat tradesmen by incurring debts that they
can never repay, or in view of impending bankruptcy, turn over
their property to a friend, with the understanding that it is later
to be restored, or who have recourse to any so-called tricks of
trade."
"Devious" literally means "off the road"—and as applied in
society means departing from a right, accepted, or common
course; therefore not being straightforward. In other words it
means "tricky."
As we come to the end of each day and we are alone with our
thoughts, does a feeling of peace steal over us, or is there
remorse for an act that cannot pass the searching eye of our
God? There is a way in which peace can be sought and found.
Proverbs 15:8 states that "the prayer of the upright is his
[the Lord's] delight." In view of this, how can we delight God
with our prayers?
"When a man is indeed connected with God, and is keeping
His law in truth, his life will reveal the fact.... He will not sell his
honor for gain. His principles are built upon the sure founda-
tion, and his conduct in worldly matters is a transcript of his
principles. Firm integrity shines forth as gold amid the dross
and rubbish of the world. Deceit, falsehood, and unfaithfulness
may be glossed over and hidden from the eyes of man, but not
from the eyes of
God."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 310.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 309-311.
43
Honesty
LESSON 5
❑
Tuesday
January 25
Part 3
"Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are
ETHICS IN alike abomination to the Lord."
BUSINESS
"It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is
gone his way, then he boasteth" (Prov. 20:10, 14).
The Word of God portrays men in all their greedy humanness,
and the picture is not attractive. Commonly accepted standards
of
t
hee commercial world may place achievement above strict
integrity. The Bible penetrates behind the business deal and
investigates the mechanism by which it was carried off: "Divers
weights," "divers measures," "a false balance (verse 23)," all
are hateful to God. Notice other dishonest practices con-
demned in the Bible: (1) lying about a lost article (Lev. 6:3); (2)
holding back wages (Jer. 22:13; James 5:4); (3) non-payment of
debts (Ps. 37:21).
"Especially in these days when the keen edge of morality is
becoming increasingly dull, it is well to remember that adultera-
tion, concealment of defects, the misrepresentation of quality,
and the employment of false weights or measures are all the
acts of a thief as much as pocket picking or shoplifting.
"Employees steal when they . . . appropriate that which has
not been expressly agreed upon, or neglect to do whatever work
they contracted to do, or perform it in a slovenly manner, or
damage the owner's property through carelessness or diminish
it by waste."—SDA
Bible Commentary, vol.
1, p. 606.
God condemns the practice of being too close in dealing in
business matters. "Those who profess to be waiting and watch-
ing for the appearance of their Lord should not disgrace their
profession by bantering in deal and standing for the last
penny."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 239.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what respects can I more faithfully apply the golden rule
in business transactions?
"In all business transactions, we are to let the light shine
decidedly. There is to be no sharp practice. Everything is to be
done with the strictest integrity. Better consent to lose some-
thing financially than to gain a few shillings by sharp practice.
We shall lose nothing in the end by fair dealing. We are to live
the law of God in our world, and perfect a character after the
divine similitude. All business, with those in the faith and those
not in the faith, is to be transacted on square, righteous
principles."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
vol. 3, p. 1158.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 350, 351;
The Desire of Ages,
p. 556.
44
Honesty
LESSON 5
Wednesday
❑
January 26
Part 4
"And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisa mach, of the tribe of
A WORKMAN'S Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroi-
ETHICS derer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen" (Ex.
38:23).
The work of a skilled craftsman is something to be admired.
The higher the quality of the work and the more artistic and
flawless its finish, the more does it testify to the workman's
opinion of the importance of his calling. Shoddiness is ever
disappointing, especially when the workman or workwoman is
capable of doing better. Work well done always gives satisfac-
tion both to the one who does it, as well as to the one for whom it
is performed. Turn a garment over and examine the workman-
ship; check the fitting as you judge the work of a dressmaker or
a tailor. Listen to the purr of an engine in perfect tune after
repairs by a master mechanic. Observe the cabinet work in a
kitchen, the laying of the floors and the finishing of doors and
doorways, as you inspect a newly finished house. Then judge
whether you think it is quality work.
In today's highly organized society a large share of the popu-
lation depends upon tradesmen to keep the houses painted, the
radios playing, the electricity and water flowing, the clothes
manufactured, the dents removed from a crumpled automobile
fender, and even the bread baked. Applying Christian ethics to
the workman, every task undertaken would be done faithfully,
with the best possible skill, and great satisfaction would result.
If the laborer is entitled to his just wages, paid promptly, to
what is the employer entitled?
The conclusion that Christian principles apply to our daily
work is unavoidable. This is certainly what we would speak of as
applied ethics.
"Those who do nothing for their employers except that which
is commanded them, when they know that the prosperity of the
work depends on some extra exertion on their part, will fail to be
accounted faithful servants."—Messages
to Young
People,
p. 228.
THINK IT THROUGH
To what extent is an Adventist mechanic or contractor hand-
icapped because he ceases his work between sundown Fri-
day and sundown Sabbath? Why?
"If a workman in the daily vocations of life is unfaithful and
slights his work, the world will not judge incorrectly if they
estimate his standard in religion according to his standard in
business."—Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 310, 311.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Talents" ("Strength"), pp. 348-351
(pp. 351-354 in 1923 ed.).
45
Honesty
LESSON 5
❑
Thursday
January 27
Part 5
"We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we
HONESTY IN refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but
DOCTRINE by the open statement of the truth we would commend our-
selves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" (2 Cor.
4:2, RSV).
Paul had a passion to see the Scriptures used honestly, not
wresting them from their true meaning. He admonished
Timothy to be a good workman in the gospel calling, "rightly
handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15, RSV).
If there is an innate honesty in our lives in regard to God and
His truth, how will this witness for the cause of Christ? 2 Cor.
8:21.
Scripture must not be quoted to justify an improper practice
in one's life. Nor is it honest to choose just what portions are
wanted and to disregard the rest. Every use we make of a
passage of Scripture must fit in harmoniously with the whole
pattern of its teaching. "Each passage of Scripture must be
given its true meaning even as every brick in the wall of a
building must be in its proper place, or the whole wall suffers....
Irrelevancies and secondary issues are to be subordinated to
the principles that actually prepare men to conquer sin and
enable them to live triumphantly in Christ."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary, vol.
7, pp. 336, 337.
The principle of using the Scriptures honestly applies also to
the use and interpretations of the writings of Ellen White. To
quote out of context, or to otherwise wrest the meaning of
passages is a dishonest practice condemned by Ellen G. White
herself. (See
Selected Messages,
bk. 2, pp. 82, 83; bk. 1, pp.
42-44;
Testimonies to Ministers.
pp. 42, 43.)
THINK IT THROUGH
For what reason do people distort or misapply the Scrip-
tures? Has this tendency ever entered into my own thinking?
"Brethren, cling to your Bible, as it reads, and stop your
criticisms in regard to its validity, and obey the Word, and not
one of you will be lost... .
"Simplicity and plain utterance are comprehended by the
illiterate, by the peasant, and the child as well as by the full-
grown man or the giant in intellect. .
.. In the very same way that they [those who wish to pervert
the writings] treat the writings in my published articles and in
my books, so do skeptics and infidels treat the Bible. They read
it according to their desire to pervert, to misapply, to willfully
wrest the utterances from their true meaning."—Selected
Mes-
sages,
bk. 1, pp. 18, 19.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 520, 521.
46
Honesty
LESSON 5
❑
Friday
January 28
Part 6
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso
MERCY TO confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Prov.
THE REPENTANT 28:13).
One of the duties of the Holy Spirit is to help a sinner
be
honest with himself. Otherwise, he will never take the steps of
repentance and confession. (See John 16:8.)
What is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and how does it
operate? Matt. 12:31, 32.
"Light comes to the soul through God's word, through His
servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when one ray
of light is disregarded, there is a partial benumbing of the
spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing of light is less
clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is night in
the soul."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 322.
At the same time the wrongdoer must take the additional
steps of ceasing his dishonest practice and seeking to resist all
future temptation in the strength of God. (See Phil. 2:13; 1 Cor.
10:13). Sins to which the dishonest person has been clinging
must be removed in God's way—they cannot be carried over
into the eternal world. Can it be imagined that there will be
dishonesty of any type in heaven?
The purpose of confession and repentance is to remove from
the life of the sinner the wrong practices and the accompanying
guilt feelings that stand between him and God. When we receive
Jesus as our Sin Bearer He can put our doubts to rest and heal
our wounded souls.
THINK IT THROUGH
Recall how Jacob, guilty of tricking his father and supplant-
ing his brother, wrestled with the angel. Does his experience
have a lesson for me?
"Many a sin is left unconfessed to confront the sinner in the
day of final account; better far to confront your sins now, to
confess them and put them away, while the atoning Sacrifice
pleads in your behalf. Do not fail to learn the will of God on this
subject."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 327.
"Christ is the source of every right impulse. He is the only one
that can implant in the heart enmity against sin. Every desire for
truth and purity, every conviction of our own sinfulness, is an
evidence that His Spirit is moving upon our hearts."—Steps
to
Christ,
p. 26.
"Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere
repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in
the life; everything offensive to God must be put
away."—Steps
to Christ,
p. 39.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"Repentance," pp. 23-36.
47
6. THE CHRISTIAN
THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS LIVING
LESSON 6 January 30 to February 5
"And the Lord God took the man,
and put him into the garden of Eden to
dress it and to keep it" (Gen. 2:15).
In the very beginning of human
history it is seen that man is related to
his environment in such a way that he
is to be active in developing that
environment and in supplying his
needs to live.
Man was given dominion over the
newly created world, was given the
seeds and the fruit of the plants and
trees for food, and was provided a
home—the Garden of Eden—which
he was to dress and keep. His life then
was not very complicated, for the plan
of God for him provided him with a
dwelling and food.
After the Fall man was driven from
the garden which had been his home.
He would now have to till the less
responsive soil in the sweat of his face,
and with the added difficulty that the
earth would bring forth thorns and
thistles. The sinful pair first used
leaves for garments, and later skins of
animals.
Today we live in very different
circumstances with very complicated
relationships. One sector of society
produces the food and fibers. Another
processes the food and manufactures
clothing. A special group builds
dwellings, while another makes
furniture. Other large sectors supply
the services such as water, electricity,
heat, sanitation, transportation, and
communications. To facilitate all these
arrangements we make use of a
medium of exchange called money.
With this we can purchase goods or
services supplied by others, and the
whole economic fabric keeps in
balance. This is a relationship that few,
if any, escape; a large proportion of
the people work for money or wages.
Christians live in this world (though
their spiritual citizenship is in heaven)
and are involved in making a living. As
they do this they must never cease to
be less Christian. What are the
Christian principles that relate to
making a living? In this week's lesson
we will
-
note some of these principles.
Ellen White wrote in
Education.
page 215, about the direction that
should be given to training the youth.
In one paragraph she summed up the
place that work should have in life.
Note that she viewed it as (1) practical
and (2) developmental.
"The youth need to be taught that
life means earnest work,
responsibility, care-taking. They need
a training that will make them
practical—men and women who can
cope with emergencies. They should
be taught that the discipline of
systematic, well-regulated labor is
essential, not only as a safeguard
against the vicissitudes of life, but as
an aid to all-round development."
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Work—Its Value and Dignity (Prov.
28:19)
2.
Acquiring Wealth (Deut. 8:18;
Prov. 23:4)
3.
Ambition, Industry (1 Thess. 4:11,
12)
4.
Prudence (Prov. 27:23, 24)
5.
Uses of Money (Prov. 13:7)
6.
Laboring to Serve (Eph. 4:28)
In the arena of a person's work he often
shows the true depth of his religion.
ND HIS LI\IING
The Christian and His Living
LESSON 6
❑
Sunday
January 30
Part 1
"He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he
WORK—ITS VALUE that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough"
AND DIGNITY (Prov. 28:19).
As we review Bible history, we see many examples of people
at work earning their daily bread. Jesus was a worker. Carpentry
was His trade; and His example of industry is for our learning.
Paul was a tent maker. Dorcas is recorded as a seamstress;
David a shepherd; several of the disciples were fishermen.
What incidents show that work activity was not looked upon
as degrading by the sons of the prophets? 2 Kings 6:1-7.
Briefly, what activities are mentioned in the list of charac-
teristics of a "virtuous woman" in Proverbs 31:10-31?
In the industrial societies today are found the "white-collar"
and "blue-collar" workers. In a total organization it is necessary
that some be supervisors and some workers. But all share in the
dignity of work, and all draw their rewards from its successful
accomplishment. No work, no task, is in itself degrading if it is
necessary for the health and well-being of the whole group, and
if it is performed in a workmanlike manner.
Some tasks are much more pleasant than others. Around the
home such jobs as cleaning or washing the clothes or the
dishes are often looked upon as the least glamorous in the
round of duties. On the farm, the workers would much rather
gather in the harvest than to clean out the stalls of animals or
mend fences and roads. Always, in all processes, there are the
tedious, unavoidable jobs that take patience and perseverance.
But none of them can be neglected lest all suffer as a conse-
quence.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can one best be happy in his work? Is it wrong to seek
advancement in one's work activity or calling?
"At the creation, labor was appointed as a blessing. It meant
development, power, happiness. The changed condition of the
earth through the curse of sin has brought a change in the
conditions of labor; yet though now attended with anxiety,
weariness, and pain, it is still a source of happiness and de-
velopment. And it is a safeguard against temptation. Its disci-
pline places a check on self-indulgence, and promotes industry,
purity, and firmness. Thus it becomes a part of God's great plan
for our recovery from the
Fall."—Education,
p. 214.
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 214-222.
50
The Christian and His Living
LESSON 6
❑
Monday
January 31
Part 2
"Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that
ACQUIRING WEALTH giveth thee power to get wealth" (Deut. 8:18).
"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom" (Prov.
23:4).
Many of our outlooks on life are affected by our attitude
toward money or wealth. The Bible has quite a little to say about
wealth, both the acquiring and the use of it. Wealth in itself is not
condemned; in fact some Bible characters who are mentioned
as serving God were blessed with it, such as Abraham (Gen.
13:2), Solomon (1 Kings 10:23), and Job (1:3). Riches as such do
not have a moral quality, but the one who uses them does.
Character is to be valued above riches. "A little that a righteous
man hath is better than the riches of many wicked" (Ps. 37:16).
One makes a mistake if he trusts to riches (Prov. 11:28). Espe-
cially are we warned about the method used in gathering riches
(Prov. 21 :6; 28:8). Because of the dangers that lurk in riches, the
Bible writer chose the middle road. "Give me neither poverty
nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: lest I be full,
and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and
steal, and take the name of my God in vain" (Prov. 30:8, 9).
Is the ability to acquire wealth readily, as seen in some
individuals, a gift bestowed by God? If so, what is the respon-
sibility of its possessor? (See Deut. 8:17, 18.)
The admonition of Proverbs 23:4, "Labour not to be rich," is a
warning against making selfish gain the goal of life. It is an
admonition against permitting money to be the chief motivating
force in the life. The rapid accumulation of riches to the point
where one is able to retire while young and give the rest of his
life to idleness and pleasure seeking is not a blessing. Work has
its benefits through all the life, from the earliest to the latest
years.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are the main purposes in my work? to make a living ?to
do a job well? to get rich? to leave money for my family? to
have something for the church and those in need? What
changes should I make?
"It is God who gives men power to get wealth, and He has
bestowed this ability, not as a means of gratifying self, but as a
means of returning to God His own. With this object it is not a sin
to acquire means.... The Bible condemns no man for being rich
if he has acquired his riches honestly. It is the selfish love of
money wrongfully employed that is the root of all evil."—
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 452, 453.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 258-263.
51
4-ASSL 1-77
The Christian and His Living
LESSON 6
❑
Tuesday
February 1
Part 3
What three aspirations did Paul recommend to the Thes-
AMBITION salonian believers, and why?
INDUSTRY
"To aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to
work with your hands, as we charged you; so that you may
command the respect of outsiders, and be dependent on no-
body" (1 Thess. 4:11, 12, RSV).
The apostle Paul had little sympathy for idlers and gave a
good personal example to the believers, for he said, "We were
not idle when we were with you, we did not eat any one's bread
without paying, but with toil and labor we worked night and day,
that we might not burden any of you" (2 Thess. 3:7, 8, RSV). And
a little farther in the text he said, "If any one will not work, let him
not eat" (verse 10).
Regarding the situation among the Thessalonians it is said
that some were teaching that in view of the second advent it was
too late to work at ordinary pursuits. As a result, some had
stopped working for a livelihood and were depending for sup-
port upon the generosity of their brethren.
In the book of Proverbs diligence is extolled (Prov. 10:5;
6:6-11; 24:30-34). In the Psalms is given a pleasant picture of the
contented family life of a workingman who fears God: "Thou
shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it
shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine at the
sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about
thy table" (Ps. 128:2, 3). Surely God wants us to be busy and
contented. The reward of the righteous in the new earth is that
they will labor and produce and enjoy the fruitage of their
labors. (See Isa. 65:21-23.)
THINK IT THROUGH
In view of the nearness of the end, should I continue to work
as usual, work harder, or take life more easily? Give reason
for your answer.
"Life is too solemn to be absorbed in temporal and earthly
matters, in a treadmill of care and anxiety for the things that are
but an atom in comparison with the things of eternal interest.
Yet God has called us to serve Him in the temporal affairs of life.
Diligence in this work is as much a part of true religion as is
devotion. The Bible gives no indorsement to idleness. It is the
greatest curse that afflicts our world. Every man and woman
who is truly converted will be a diligent
worker."—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons,
p. 343.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Talents" ("Time"), pp. 344-346 (pp.
347-349 in 1923 ed.).
52
The Christian and His Living
LESSON 6
❑
Wednesday
February 2
Part 4
"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look
PRUDENCE well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the
crown endure to every generation?" (Prov. 27:23, 24).
A Christian should develop a wholesome philosophy or out-
look toward his daily work, money, and property. As a Christian
philosophy it must take the principles of God's Word into ac-
cou nt.
The Bible urges prudence in planning, the use of foresight
with respect to the business of life. The one who raises cattle,
sheep, or fowl is careful to keep disease away from his animals;
the tiller of the soil treats the land carefully lest it be depleted or
eroded and its value diminished.
The book of Proverbs counsels financial prudence. What
are some of the guidelines advocated? (See Prov. 3:9, 10;
10:4; 11:15; 29:24.)
The modern man gets insurance on his home and other pos-
sessions, but he also applies this principle of prudence to his
own life and family. He guards his health, retaining his vigor as
long as possible through the best of health habits. He sends his
children to school so that they will be prepared to cope with life
in this modern world. Prudently he chooses a Christian school
for them, for he is thinking of their eternal future. In all this he is
not acting from selfish motives, but as a good steward of all that
God has placed in his care.
THINK IT THROUGH
What moral principles are involved when we let ourselves
and our affairs be ruled by inclination or thoughtlessness or
the poor example of others?
"God does not condemn prudence and foresight in the use of
the things of this life, but the feverish care, the undue anxiety,
with respect to worldly things is not in accordance with His
will."—Counsels on Stewardship,
p. 159.
Ellen White, in 1869, wrote to a couple who looked to others
for financial help. In part she said:
"I was shown that you, my brother and sister, have much to
learn. You have not lived within your means. You have not
learned to economize. If you earn high wages, you do not know
how to make it go as far as possible. You consult taste or
appetite instead of prudence. At times you expend money for a
quality of food in which your brethren cannot afford to indulge.
Dollars slip from your pocket very
easily."—Testimonies,
vol. 2,
p. 431, 432.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp. 431, 432.
53
The Christian and His Living
LESSON 6
❑
Thursday
February 3
Part 5
"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich
USES OF MONEY toward God" (Luke 12:21).
The moral consideration is not the amount of money we have,
be it great or small, but the use we make of it. Review the parable
of the selfish rich man who thought only of himself and his
well-fortified future, and suddenly reached the end and found
all he had accumulated to be useless (Luke 12:16-21). Also,
think of Cornelius, that Gentile centurion who was not only
devout but also charitable, and was marked by God as one to
whom the Christian gospel must be opened (Acts 10:1-6). We
might also keep in mind the case of Achan whose cupidity
brought disaster to the whole nation of Israel (Joshua 7:1).
Among these examples of people and their possessions we
could remember the lad with five barley loaves and two small
fishes whose offering Jesus took and blessed and had it distrib-
uted among five thousand (John 6:9-11). We all like the story of
Zacchaeus, the short man who wanted to see Jesus, and when
that moment came he opened his heart to the Master, telling
how he exercised stewardship over his possessions (Luke 19:8).
The subject of investments is a broad one and should have
our spiritually sensitized attention. Ellen White, speaking of
investments in her time, commented on investments in busi-
ness interests in cities, in patents, in secret organizations, in the
publishing work, in earthly speculations, in God's cause, and a
number of other types. She speaks of Satan's pleasure in having
God's people make investments in worldly enterprises.
THINK IT THROUGH
What principles should guide the people of God in making
investments today?
If my life story were to be recorded between the covers of a
modern Bible, what would be the record regarding the use of
my money?
"Our money has not been given us that we might honor and
glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the
honor and glory of God. Some think that only a portion of their
means is the Lord's. When they have set apart a portion for
religious and charitable purposes, they regard the remainder as
their own, to be used as they see fit. But in this they mistake. All
we possess is the Lord's, and we are accountable to Him for the
use we make of
it."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 351.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 450-453.
54
The Christian and His Living
LESSON 6
❑
Friday
February 4
Part 6
"The thief must give up stealing, and instead work hard and
LABORING honestly with his own hands, so that he may have something
TO SERVE to share with the needy" (Eph. 4:28, NEB).
What a remarkable transition is described by Paul in this
verse, in which one who has been a thief stops his thieving, finds
a useful, remunerative job, and gets the spirit of helping others
who are worse off than he is.
"It is a Christian privilege to give to those in need, those who
would perish without such aid. The making of money for its own
sake is not a Christian activity. . .. The believer works in order
that he may be able to help others after having discharged his
obligation to society by supporting himself. Thus he lives in
marked contrast with the thief."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
vol.
6, p. 1028.
Money represents labor, our own if we earned it, someone
else's if it was acquired without our labor.
Notice how Paul recounts the training he had given the
church members in his last charge to the elders of the Ephesian
church (Acts 20:35). He here quotes words of Jesus found
nowhere else. The receiver of charity is relieved and made
happy, but a greater blessing comes to the one who gives, who
shares the fruit of his labor. And also, he has God's approval.
(See Matt. 25:34-36.)
What feeling should brethren show for each other? 1 Peter
3:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
Make a list of several ways in which Christians may "labor
to serve," and think whether you have been using any of these
ways.
"Money has great value, because it can do great good. In the
hands of God's children it is food for the hungry, drink for the
thirsty, and clothing for the naked. It is a defense for the op-
pressed, and a means of help to the sick. But money is of no
more value than sand, only as it is put to use in providing for the
necessities of life, in blessing others, and advancing the cause
of Christ."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 351.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Talents" ("The One Talent"), pp.
359, 360 (pp. 361-363 in 1923 ed.).
55
THC CHRISTIAN
THE CHRISTIAN AND HUMAN
NEED
LESSON 7 February 6-12
"If any one has the world's goods
and sees his brother in need, yet
closes his heart against him, how does
God's love abide in him? Little
children, let us not love in word or
speech but in deed and in truth"
(1 John 3:17, 18, RSV).
There is danger in this modern
world that people live lives that are so
shut off from others around them that
they fail to realize how much their
personal and financial help is needed.
The Christian is in danger of having the
wellsprings of his compassion run dry.
Not only are people under
obligation to help the poor, the sick,
the needy, and the handicapped; but
when they take the name of Christ,
they are in very character motivated to
do so. This is one of the clearest
biblical teachings both in Old and New
Testament times.
The practice of charging interest on
the poor is condemned (Ex. 22:25,
RSV).
The poor were to have gleaning
privileges in the fields (Lev. 19:9, 10).
The poor were to have a home
among the more prosperous (Lev.
25:35).
The poor were to be able to borrow
(Deut. 15:7, 8).
There would always be poor in the
land (Deut. 15:11).
Special blessings were promised to
those who remembered the poor (Ps.
41:1-3).
The poor are entitled to righteous
judgment (Prov. 31:9).
Christians are to give and lend to
those in need (Matt. 5:42).
Sharing of one's goods is taught
(Luke 3:11).
The poor should share one's
hospitality (Luke 14:12-14).
Christians are to be especially
attentive to the needs of the brethrer
in the church (Gal. 6:10).
This lesson will examine some of the
moral principles that apply to the
Christian and his relation to those in
need.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Material Resources (1 Sam. 2:7)
2.
Identification of One's Neighbor
(Luke 10:36)
3.
Praise of Liberality (Prov. 11:25, 26)
4.
Rebuke for Greed. (Prov. 3:27;
15:27)
5.
Recognizing Need (Prov. 21:13;
28:27)
6.
Macedonian Churches (2 Cor.
8:2, 3)
Sharing with those in need is an ethical issue.
The Christian and Human Need
LESSON 7
❑
Sunday
February 6
Part 1
"The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich; he bringeth low,
MATERIAL and lifteth up" (1 Sam. 2:7).
RESOURCES
How much do we owe to God? First, He gave us our world and
fashioned it so that the human race could live on it with all its
needs supplied. God gives all men life and strength (Isa. 42:5;
Ps. 29:11). Above every other ability God has given men intelli-
gence (Dan. 2:21; James 1:5).
All that men and women can accomplish in scientific, techni-
cal, and industrial progress comes from the Creator. We may
manufacture an automobile, but the raw materials come from
the earth, and the intelligence to do it, from God.
When Europeans and Asians became aware of the existence
of the Western Hemisphere, hitherto unrealized, a great reser-
voir of riches was opened for the wide use of the human race. It
had rich soil, great stands of virgin timber, clean, fresh sources
of water and water power, and minerals in abundance. These
included gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, and many other valu-
able metals; and the valuable fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas.
And the whole continent was teeming with animal life. All of
these tremendous resources contributed to the wealth of the
New World, and on no basis could those who came to use and
possess them assert that they themselves made this wealth. It is
the same story in any part of the world, Australia, Africa, or the
islands of the sea.
In recounting Israel's experience enroute to Canaan, some
of it a real testing experience, what was the psalmist's
acknowledgment about their new home? Ps. 66:10-12.
The Christian recognizes the source of all he possesses and
labors for. He knows in his heart that he is indebted for all to God
and His blessing (1 Tim. 6:17). In other words, he is simply God's
continuous agent or manager.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is it a test of character for one to possess riches? For whom
is the love of money a test?
"God may entrust men with money and possessions, but
because of this they are not to lift themselves up. All they have
they hold in trust; it is lent them by God that they may develop a
character like His. They are on trial. God wants to see whether
they will prove themselves worthy of the eternal riches. If they
use their Lord's goods to set themselves above their fellowmen,
they prove unworthy of a place in the kingdom of God."—
Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 286.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 477-479.
58
The Christian and Human Need
LESSON 7
❑
Monday
February 7
Part 2
"Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour
IDENTIFICATION OF unto him that fell among the thieves" (Luke 10:36)?
ONE'S NEIGHBOR
THINK IT THROUGH
What a wonderful world we would enjoy if every one felt the
spirit of true neighborliness toward every other person! The
spirit of a neighbor is one of helpful interest in the happiness
and well-being of others. This parable of the Good Samaritan
shows that the spirit of true compassion has no social or ethnic
or class boundaries. The spirit of charity leads one always to
work "no ill to his neighbour" (Rom 13:10).
What are some manifestations of the neighborly spirit? Ex.
23:1; Lev. 6:2-4.
But again, who is that neighbor? It is not just the prosperous
friend with whom we enjoy happy association. It is also the one
who suffers, who lacks, who is neglected and overlooked. We
need not wait to acknowledge him as neighbor until we know
his religion, or nation, or family, or caste. When he comes to our
attention and a need is apparent, he qualifies as our neighbor. A
homeless flood victim or an earthquake victim halfway around
the world is our neighbor. Though in distant lands a leprosy or
"savage fire" patient, or an orphaned child all qualify as our
neighbors. One who lives just down the street and attends
church without a coat, or a widow, a shut-in, who cannot get to
church is a neighbor. The neighbor may worship in a different
church or not in any church, but the Bible puts him in the class
of neighbor to his Christian brethren. Why should the Christian
love his neighbor as himself? Because he serves that kind of
God (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44, 45).
Are there any new neighbors in your area with whom you
have not become acquainted? Perhaps they are waiting for a
call.
"Thus the question, 'Who is my neighbor?' is forever
answered. Christ has shown that our neighbor does not mean
merely one of the church or faith to which we belong. It has no
reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neighbor is
every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul
who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is
everyone who is the property of God
."—The Desire of Ages,
p.
503.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Who Is My Neighbor?" pp. 383, 386,
387 (pp. 388, 389, 392, 393 in 1923 ed.).
59
The Christian and Human Need
LESSON 7
❑
Tuesday
February 8
Part 3
"The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth
PRAISE OF shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the
LIBERALITY people shall curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of
him that selleth it" (Prov. 11:25, 26).
What a blessing when the ownership of property and means,
and the possession of a God-given spirit of compassion, come
together in the same person! Here the Christian sense of stew-
ardship is at its bounteous best as possessions are shared
generously and intelligently to help sustain causes and persons
that will suffer unless charity does its good work. The practice of
liberality will be marked in God's record particularly when the
gift is given privately and without ostentation and with no
thought of reward or recognition. For example, a Christian
young lady working as a secretary has quietly been contributing
a good portion of her income to a fund for students in need,
feeling that this is the area where God has shown her she can
best serve His cause.
The opposite picture, revealed in the text, is that of one who
takes advantage of his economically advantaged position and
uses his power to create a condition that will further enrich
himself. It is the old practice of getting a "corner on the market,"
so as to raise the price artificially, so that the manipulator can
make an excessive profit. In time of drought or other sources of
crop failure, the one who happens to have a good crop might
have many people at his mercy and demand especially high
prices for his hoard of grain, for food or for seed. Notice what
the prophet Amos (ch. 8:4-7) had to say about selfish merchan-
dising.
What is the difference between stinginess and economy?
It is not the amount involved, but the spirit behind it that
counts. (See 1 Cor. 13:3.) Rich, poor, and moderately poor are
on the same spiritual basis in the sight of God.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do you think God might entrust us with more money if He felt
we would make better use of it?
"Christ sanctions no lavish or careless use of means. His
lesson in economy, 'Gather up the fragments that remain, that
nothing be lost,' is for all His followers (John 6:12). He who
realizes that his money is a talent from God will use it economi-
cally, and will feel it a duty to save that he may give.
"The more means we expend in display and self-indulgence,
the less we can have to feed the hungry and clothe the
naked."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 352.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 337-339.
60
The Christian and Human Need
LESSON 7
❑
Wednesday
February 9
Part 4
"Withhold not good from them to whom it
is
due, when it is in
REBUKE FOR the power of thine hand to do it" (Prov. 3:27).
GREED
"He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he
that hateth gifts shall live" (Prov. 15:27).
Greed has a close relative in covetousness; and these two
corroding characteristics can coexist quite comfortably in the
same mind.
What is the Lord's attitude toward the covetous? Ps. 10:3.
These traits of character grow like noxious weeds in the soil
of the unredeemed human heart. They can be choked out with
the love that flows from a heart made new. Greediness and
glorying in one's possessions is in a special sense a denial of
God. (See Job 31:24, 25, 28.) Possessions have then become a
god. The prophet Isaiah spoke of some people as "greedy
dogs" (Isa. 56:11), a term that is certainly not complimentary.
Jesus warned against the spirit of greed and covetousness:
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth" (Matt. 6:19).
"You cannot serve God and Money" (Matt. 6:24, NEB).
"He also that received seed among the thorns is he that
heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitful-
ness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful"
(Matt. 13:22).
God plans that Christians shall bear fruit to His glory and the
benefit of His cause on earth.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what way does our attitude toward money and "things"
reveal the depth of our Christian experience?
"The love of money was the ruling passion in the Jewish age.
Worldliness usurped the place of God and religion in the soul.
So it is now. Avaricious greed for wealth exerts such a fascinat-
ing, bewitching influence over the life that it results in pervert-
ing the nobility and corrupting the humanity of men until they
are drowned in perdition."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Bless-
ing,
pp. 88, 89.
"Hoarded wealth is not merely useless, it is a curse. In this life
it is a snare to the soul, drawing the affections away from the
heavenly treasure. In the great day of God its witness to unused
talents and neglected opportunities will condemn its
possessor."—Christ's
Object' Lessons,
p. 352.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
p. 295.
61
The Christian and Human Need
LESSON 7
❑
Thursday
February 10
Part 5
"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also
RECOGNIZING shall cry himself, but shall not be heard" (Prov. 21:13).
NEED
"He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that
hideth his eyes shall have many a curse" (Prov. 28:27).
In many countries today there are government agencies that
help the poor and unfortunate of society. Nevertheless there is
still a need for church agencies and various private organiza-
tions to operate assistance programs. It is proper for Christians
to favor and assist in all these worthy enterprises.
However, all of these avenues of practical service do not
excuse a Christian from giving personal attention to the needs
of individual cases that he encounters. To close his eyes against
them or to harden his feelings and to turn the other way is
unworthy of the name of Christian that he bears. The purpose of
charity is not display or to earn the favor of Heaven; but "sincer-
ity of purpose, real kindness of heart, is the motive that Heaven
values."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 81.
What perversion of charity did the Pharisees practice in the
time of Jesus? Matt. 6:1.
Although the self-centered reason for charity noted here is
condemned, there is a benefit for the unselfish giver. "The work
of beneficence is twice blessed. While he that gives to the needy
blesses others, he himself is blessed in a still greater
deg
ree."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 82. A faith-
ful Christian is one alert to the cry for help arising in the world
around him.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does your church have a fund to help the poor, and do you
contribute to it? Is that all you need to do for the poor and
needy?
"All His [the Lord's] gifts are to be used in blessing humanity,
in relieving the suffering and the needy. We are to feed the
hungry, to clothe the naked, to care for the widow and the
fatherless, to minister to the distressed and downtrodden. God
never meant that the widespread misery in the world should
exist. He never meant that one man should have an abundance
of the luxuries of life, while the children of others should cry for
bread. The means over and above the actual necessities of life
are entrusted to man to do good, to bless humanity."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 370.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies, vol.
1, pp. 168-170.
62
The Christian and Human Need
LESSON 7
❑
Friday
February 11
Part 6
"In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and
MACEDONIAN their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of liberality
CHURCHES on their part. For they gave according to their means, of their
own free will" (2 Cor. 8:2, 3, RSV).
The example of the Macedonian believers stands out as a
brilliant example of planned benevolence. They had suffered
severely from persecution (Acts 17:5-9; 2 Thess. 1:4-6). They
were so poor that they seemed to be utterly destitute.
"The abysmal poverty of Macedonia at this time was due to
several factors. Three wars had desolated the area. . . . So
desperate was the condition of the Macedonians that they had
petitioned the emperor Tiberius for a reduction of taxes. Fur-
thermore, most of the early Christians came from the poorer
classes of society."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 888.
The example of the Macedonian churches teaches that pov-
erty is never absolute, it is only relative. Even the poorest needs
the spiritual exercise that comes from sharing. In the case of the
poor there is danger that they indulge in bitterness and self-pity
and do not sense that the privilege of stewardship is for them
also. It is possible for the poor to be stingy as well as the rich,
and Christian liberality applies as well to one as to the other.
What was the fruit John the Baptist told the multitude they
must bear? Luke 3:9-11.
THINK IT THROUGH
What place has benevolence in character development?
Would your answer
be
true for both rich and poor?
"Nearly all the Macedonian believers were poor in this world's
goods, but their hearts were overflowing with love for God and
His truth, and they gladly gave for the support of the gospel....
"The willingness to sacrifice on the part of the Macedonian
believers came as a result of wholehearted consecration."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 343.
"In the balances of the sanctuary the gifts of the poor, made
from love to Christ, are not estimated according to the amount
given, but according to the love which prompts the sacrifice.
The promises of Jesus will as surely be realized by the liberal
poor man, who has but little to offer, but who gives that little
freely, as by the wealthy man who gives of his abundance."—
Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 398, 399.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 343-345.
63
a
HONOR BETW
Relationships between the sexes must be
based on mutual respect and equity.
EN The SOO
HONOR BETWEEN THE SEXES
LESSON 8
.
February 13-19
"So God created man in his own
image, in the image of God created he
him; male and female created he
them"- (Gen. 1:27).
The existence of two kinds of human
beings, men and women, is the
provision of a wise Creator. Sex has a
meaningful place in God's plan, for it
laid the basis for the family and the
growth of the race. And, like all of
God's gifts, when not abused it
ministers to the deepest needs of
humankind and provides a basis for
social and spiritual growth of family
members. When the divine intent for
man and woman is not recognized and
the boundaries set for the regulation
of their relationship are disregarded,
tragic consequences can come into
the lives of individuals, into homes,
and upon society in general.
The standards of life established by
God to assure our happiness and
well-being may be perverted or
rejected by those around us. The
world has turned its back on those
;deals which throughout the centuries
have characterized Christian conduct;
but God's standards have not
changed. He expects those who bear
the name of Christ not to yield to the
prevailing iniquitous practices that are
condoned even in sophisticated
circles. The believer is to respect the
bodies of other people, honor his own
body, and honor God's name in
thought, word, and deed. This subject
of relations between the sexes is of
special importance in these last days.
Ellen White wrote:
"Near the close of this earth's
history Satan will work with all his
powers in the same manner and with
the same temptations wherewith he
tempted ancient Israel just before
their entering the Land of Promise. He
will lay snares for those who claim to
keep the commandments of God, and
who are almost on the borders of the
heavenly Canaan. He will use his
powers to their utmost in order to
entrap souls and to take God's
professed people upon their weakest
points. Those who have not brought
the lower passions into subjection to
the higher powers of their being,
those who have allowed their minds to
flow in a channel of carnal indulgence
of the baser passions, Satan is
determined to destroy with his
temptations—to pollute their souls
with licentiousness."—The
Adventist
Home,
p. 327.
"Don't be under any illusion: you
cannot make a fool of God! A man's
harvest in life will depend entirely on
what he sows. If he sows for his own
lower nature his harvest will be the
decay and death of his own nature. But
if he sows for the Spirit he will reap the
harvest of everlasting life from that
Spirit" (Gal. 6:7, 8, Phillips, Revised).
"The attributes which God prizes
most are charity and purity. These
attributes should be cherished by
every Christian."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 85.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Creator's Plan (Gen. 2:24)
2.
Marriage (Mark 10:9)
3.
Promiscuity (1 Thess. 4:3-5)
4.
Marriage With Unbelievers (2 Cor.
6:14)
5.
Divorce, Remarriage (Matt. 19:9)
6.
Love in Honor (Gen. 24:67)
Honor Between the Sexes
LESSON 8
❑
Sunday
February 13
Part 1
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and
THE CREATOR'S shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Gen.
PLAN 2:24).
God created Adam and Eve, the original pair that began the
biological process by which the earth was to be peopled. God
established the institution of marriage and it carries the divine
endorsement. It did not arrive after ages and ages in a long and
tedious process of development; nor did it happen by accident.
It is a part of God's design, basic to the needs and happiness of
man.
In His earthly mission, what was Jesus' intention with re-
gard to the marriage institution? Matt. 19:5, 6.
"He [Jesus] came not to destroy the sacred relationship of
marriage, but to exalt it and restore it to its original sanctity."—
The Adventist Home,
p. 121.
Marriage is one of the most sensitive areas of Christian deci-
sion making. There is a rightness and wrongness, based on
God's Word, relating to one's treatment of the opposite sex and
to marriage. The times and customs may change and become
evil like the days of Noah and of Sodom, but God's plan for the
relationships between men and women stands vindicated in the
lives of His followers.
The question of the relation of men and women is not basi-
cally asocial question or a legal one, but is at heart a theological
one having to do with an individual's relation to God, and involv-
ing his spiritual nature. Jesus, at the beginning of His earthly
ministry, was invited to a wedding in Cana and gave the event
His approval, not only by attending, but also by performing His
first miracle there. (See John 2:1-11.)
The relation of husband and wife in marriage is used in the
Bible to illustrate the relation between Christ and the church,
one of honor and sacrifice of self in behalf of the other in love.
(See Eph. 5:23-27; Hosea 2:19, 20.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Is there any significance in the fact that marriage is prac-
ticed all over the world?
"God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided 'an help
meet for him'—a helper corresponding to him—one who was
fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in
love and sympathy.... A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh
of his flesh, she was his second self, showing the close union
and the affectionate attachment that should exist in this
relation."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 46.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 46.
66
Honor Between the Sexes
LESSON 8
❑
Monday
February 14
Part 2
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put
MARRIAGE asunder" (Mark 10:9).
"In the youthful mind marriage is clothed with romance, and it
is difficult to divest it of this feature, with which imagination
covers it, and to impress the mind with a sense of the weighty
responsibilities involved in the marriage vow. This vow links the
destinies of the two individuals with bonds which naught but
the hand of death should sever.
"Every marriage engagement should be carefully considered,
for marriage is a step taken for life. Both the man and the woman
should carefully consider whether they can cleave to each other
through the vicissitudes of life as long as they both shall
live."—The
Adventist Home,
p. 340.
Polygamy occurred in the Old Testament times in Israel, but
by New Testament times monogamy had become the estab-
lished form of marriage among the Jews. Marriage was alwayg'
intended by God to be for life between two committed partners.
(See Matt. 19:8, 9.)
"Like every other one of God's good gifts entrusted to the
keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it
is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty....
"The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this institution
what God designed it should be—an agent for the blessing and
uplifting of humanity. And thus the families of earth, in their
unity and peace and love, may represent the family of heaven.
"The condition of society presents a sad comment upon
Heaven's ideal of this sacred relation. Yet even for those who
have found bitterness and disappointment where they had
hoped for companionship and joy, the gospel of Christ offers a
solace."—The
Adventist Home,
p. 100.
"Let those who are contemplating marriage weigh every sen-
timent and watch every development of character in the one
with whom they think to unite their life destiny. Let every step
toward a marriage alliance be characterized by modesty,
simplicity, sincerity, and an earnest purpose to please and
honor God. Marriage affects the afterlife both in this world and
in the world to come. A sincere Christian will make no plans that
God cannot approve."—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 359.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 175, 176.
67
Honor Between the Sexes
LESSON 8
❑
Tuesday
February 15
Part 3
"This is the will of God, that you should be holy: you must
PROMISCUITY abstain from fornication; each one of you must learn to gain
mastery over his body, to hallow and honour it, not giving way
to lust like the pagans who are ignorant of God" (1 Thess.
4:3-5, NEB).
The word "abstain" in this passage has a negative sound, and
in the thinking of many moderns the negatives are not to rule.
However we must recall that all of God's Ten Commandments
except one and part of another one, are stated negatively, the
better to act as a deterrent against sin.
"Abstain from fornication" (1 Thess. 4:3).
"Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex. 20:14).
These are laws of Christian living and are for our guidance
and protection.
Man is more than an animal, although in many respects his
body functions similarly to that of certain animals. Man has
more than a brain; he has a mind. He has more than a nervous
system that responds to instinct, or to learned stimuli; he can be
guided by reason, will, and conscience. He was given dominion
over the earth. He was created a being to be held responsible for
the consequences of his acts. He was meant to love God and to
put God's will above his own self-pleasing desires.
Can you think of some important reasons why social, family,
and religious inhibitions on sexual conduct should be
safeguarded and not abandoned?
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the meaning of the question heard in some wedding
services: Wilt thou keep thyself wholly unto him (her) so long
as you both shall live?
"Now the works of the flesh are plain: immorality, impurity,
licentiousness" (Gal. 5:19, RSV).
"Make no mistake: no fornicator or idolator, none who are
guilty either of adultery or of homosexual perversion . . . will
possess the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9, 10, NEB).
"In this degenerate age many will be found who are so
blinded to the sinfulness of sin that they choose a licentious life
because it suits the natural and perverse inclination of the heart.
Instead of facing the mirror, the law of God, and bringing their
hearts and characters up to God's standard, they allow Satan's
agents to erect his standard in their
hearts."—Testimonies,
vol.
5, p. 141.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Spirituality of the
Law" (Matt. 5:28), pp. 59, 60.
68
Honor Between
the Sexes
LESSON 8
❑
Wednesday
February 16
Part 4
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for
MARRIAGE WITH what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
UNBELIEVERS and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Cor. 6:14).
This admonition not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers
applies to various aspects of life, including business and recrea-
tion. Marriage is one of the possible ways of unequal yoking
together.
In Paul's day marriage with an unbeliever usually meant mar-
riage to a pagan. The ways and views of a pagan were so utterly
different from the Christian faith that to marry one was like
trying to join light with darkness.
Among the Old Testament people of God marriage with a
Canaanite was forbidden. (See Ezra 9:2, 12; Mal. 2:11.) In one of
the sad experiences that came to Israel, consorting of the men
with heathen women led to the worship of false gods and the
death of 24,000 Israelites. (See Num. 25:1-5, 9).
Writing to a sister who was considering marriage with one not
united with her in religious faith, Ellen White said: "My sister,
unless you would have a home where the shadows are never
lifted, do not unite yourself with one who is an enemy of
God."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 363.
In that same letter Ellen White asked: "Will it [this new rela-
tionship] be a help to you in the Christian life? Will it be pleasing
to God? .. .
"What has been his past record? Is his life pure? Is the love
which he expresses of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere
emotional fondness? ... Can she [the wife] honor the Saviour's
claims as
supreme?"—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 362.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church puts its influence squarely
against the marriage of its members with unbelievers and the
Manual for Ministers
states:
"Ministers should not perform the marriage ceremony of be-
lievers with unbelievers, because this is expressly contrary to
the teaching of the church."—Page 97.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are the problems associated with the marriage of a
believer to an unbeliever?
"The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of
any on earth. It was designed to be a blessing to mankind. And it
is a blessing wherever the marriage covenant is entered into
intelligently, in the fear of God, and with due consideration for
its responsibilities."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pp. 356, 357.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 361-368.
69
Honor Between the Sexes
LESSON 8
❑
Thursday
February 17
Part 5
What is the only legitimate exception for divorce and remar-
DIVORCE, riage?
REMARRIAGE
"And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife,
except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commit-
teth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth
commit adultery" (Matt. 19:9).
Many are the reasons marriage partners give for wanting to be
divorced, such as cruelty, desertion, lack of support, or incom-
patibility. Jesus commented pointedly on divorce and the be-
liever must not ignore His judgment.
Divorce of a spouse by a church member because the spouse
was not a believer was opposed by the apostles. (See 1 Peter
3:1, 2; 1 Cor. 7:12-14.) The effect of New Testament teaching is
not to make divorce and remarriage easy, but rather the oppo-
site.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has studied the question
of divorce and remarriage diligently and has formulated an
eleven-point statement based on the Bible and the spirit of
prophecy writings. It is found in the
Church Manual,
in chapter
15, and is the controlling policy to be followed in every Adventist
church in dealing with cases that arise among its members. We
quote here a meaningful paragraph which precedes the state-
ment of the eleven-point position:
"Those who speak for the Advent Movement are not commis-
sioned of God to frame resolutions that fit the desires of the
human heart, but only those that fit the heavenly standards. The
question of divorce and remarriage is one that has troubled the
church through all the centuries, and no easy solutions are
possible for the fearful problems that men and women often
create for themselves and the church by their departure from
God's ideal. But spiritual problems that grow out of violated
standards are never solved by lowering those standards."—
Church Manual,
p. 252. (1971 ed.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Is it better to seek divorce from a guilty marriage partner or
to try to forgive and heal the injured union?
"Among the Jews a man was permitted to put away his wife
for the most trivial offenses, and the woman was then at liberty
to marry again. This practice led to great wretchedness and sin.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared plainly that there
could be no dissolution of the marriage tie except for unfaith-
fulness to the marriage
vow."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
p. 63.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 2, pp. 339-342;
Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
"The Spirituality of the Law" (Matt. 19:3), pp.
63-65.
70
Honor Between the Sexes
LESSON 8
❑
Friday
February 18
Part 6
"Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took
LOVE IN HONOR Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and
Isaac was comforted after his mother's death" (Gen. 24:67).
The Bible contains a number of love stories such as Isaac and
Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel (Gen. 29:29, 30), Boaz and Ruth
(Ruth 4:11-13). In all of these there is a picture of love with
honor.
In the area of sex relationship there is a path of dishonor. It is
sinful for a person to beguile one of the other sex into a relation-
ship condemned by God and the church's standards. It is no
excuse to claim that the relationship is based on love. For love
to be valid it must harmonize with principle, and a principle of
right can never be thrust aside in an effort to justify some tawdry
emotion even in the high name of love.
How did Jesus demonstrate a redemptive and corrective
attitude to those who had sinned and been guilty of dishonor-
able conduct? John 8:3-11.
There is also the path of honor between the sexes. Sex is
among the things God created in the beginning, and He pro-
nounced all of His creation good. (See Gen. 1:31.) If, as God
said, it is good, then it is also sacred and not to be abused in any
sense.
The love that joins men and women in marriage under God is
honorable and responsible. It is made up not only of an emo-
tional response between man and woman, but also has an
intellectual quality based on the approval of will and con-
science. Marriage is honorable in all (Heb. 13:4). The Bible
condemns those who forbid to marry (1 Tim. 4:1-3), though the
way is open to those who wish to do so to refrain from marriage
to serve God more fully (1 Cor. 7:32).
"In both the Old and the New Testament, the marriage rela-
tion is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that
exists between Christ and His people. To the mind of Jesus the
gladness of the wedding festivities pointed forward to the re-
joicing of that day when He shall bring home His bride to the
Father's house, and the redeemed with the Redeemer shall sit
down to the marriage supper of the Lamb."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 151.
FURTHER STUDY
The Adventist Home,
pp. 105-113.
71
9 THE CHRISTIAN
Responsibilities in the area of citizenship
carry moral implications.
`ID THE STAlE
THE CHRISTIAN AND THE STATE
LESSON 9 February 20-26
"Render therefore to all their dues:
tribute to whom tribute is due; custom
to whom custom; fear to whom fear;
honour to whom honour" (Rom.
13:7).
The Christian waits in this world for
Jesus to return. At that time He will set
up His perfect government based on
love and loyalty. Until then the
Christian has to live in his community
of the world as a citizen of a state
under the secular laws of his
government.
Not only is he expected to live under
this rule of secular law as does any
other citizen, but he is also to remain
obedient to God's requirements. He
has given his life and will to the
lordship of Jesus Christ. Sometimes in
this situation he has to make ethical
decisions that clash with the laws that
regulate his citizenship in his
community. The question is, To what
extent is he justified in making and
holding to such decisions?
The Christian must not think of his
earthly citizenship as mostly negative.
Rather, there is a positive, obedient
attitude which he must cultivate with
respect to the officials in his city, state,
or country.
We must remember that even the
best of secular codes under which
men live together are administered by
people who are human and faulty.
Thus at times emotionalism, or
favoritism, or self-interest, or
narrowness of understanding may
make the administration of the laws
less than just.
"Let God have the matter of
condemning authorities and
governments wholly in His own
keeping. In meekness and love let us
as faithful sentinels defend the
principles of truth as it is in
Jesus."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 397. It
is the Christian's part to relate to
unjust situations helpfully and to
endeavor to use the processes of
reason and education to correct an
imbalance or misunderstanding on
the part of a civil officer.
By His life and teaching Jesus set us a
perfect example in relation to earthly
governments. The effect of this
teaching in the individual life was
revolutionary, but He led no
movement against the governments of
His time.
"The government under which
Jesus lived was corrupt and
oppressive; on every hand were
crying abuses,—extortion,
intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet
the Saviour attempted no civil
reforms. He attacked no national
abuses, nor condemned the national
enemies. He did not interfere with the
authority or administration of those in
power. He who was our example kept
aloof from earthly governments."
—The Desire of Ages,
p. 509.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Citizenship of Christians (Phil. 3:20)
2.
Love in the Christian
Commonwealth (2 Cor. 5:14)
3.
The State Ordained of God (Rom.
13:1, 2)
4.
The State Requires Obedience
(Rom. 13:3-5)
5.
Duality of Christian Obligations
(Matt. 22:21)
6.
Loyalty to God Paramount (Acts
4:19; 5:29)
The Christian and the State
LESSON 9
❑
Sunday
February 20
Part 1
"But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a
CITIZENSHIP OF Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20, RSV).
CHRISTIANS
In the writings of the apostle Paul the words in KJV translated
"conversation" in Philippians 3:20; and "commonwealth" in
Ephesians 2:12, and "fellowcitizens" in Ephesians 2:19 are all
related linguistically to one Greek root that has to do with
citizenship. Paul is saying simply that the Christian is a citizen of
a heavenly kingdom, the one that Jesus announced at the be-
ginning of His ministry when He said "Repent: for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17).
In the symbolic description of Jesus in Revelation 19:11-16,
what position of Jesus is emphasized?
When we speak of a kingdom, we imply the existence of a
ruler, of laws, and of subjects. All these are present in the
kingdom of heaven established by Jesus. Christ is the King
(John 18:36), His followers are the citizens (Eph. 2:19). At pres-
ent it is a spiritual kingdom (Luke 17:21), but it is no less real.
Those who accept Jesus as Redeemer and Lord are delivered
from the power of darkness and are translated "into the king-
dom of his dear Son" (Col. 1:13). Those who are Christ's are
heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5) which is an everlasting king-
dom (2 Peter 1:11). This kingdom of heaven is nothing less than
God's government which ruled from eternity, was repudiated by
our first parents at the Fall, and to which we return when we
become His subjects.
THINK IT THROUGH
Christians are sometimes accused of paying too little atten-
tion to the problems of this present world. Do you think it is a
fair accusation? Why? Or why not?
"God placed man under law, as an indispensable condition of
his very existence. He was a subject of the divine government,
and there can be no government without
law."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
p. 49.
"The kingdom of grace was instituted immediately after the
fall of man, when a plan was devised for the redemption of the
guilty race. It then existed in the purpose and by the promise of
God; and through faith, men could become its subjects. Yet it
was not actually established until the death of Christ."—The
Great Controversy,
pp. 347, 348.
"The Saviour's mission on earth was fast drawing to a close.
Only a few months remained for Him to complete what He had
come to do, in establishing the kingdom of His grace."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pp. 253, 254.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons, "Like
a Grain of Mustard Seed," pp.
76-79 (pp. 75-79 in 1923 ed.).
74
The Christian and the State
LESSON 9
❑
Monday
February 21
"For the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Cor. 5:14).
Part 2
It is love, not force, that motivates subjects of Christ's king-
LOVE IN THE
dom. "Earthly kingdoms rule by the ascendancy of physical
CHRISTIAN
power; but from Christ's kingdom every carnal weapon, every
COMMONWEALTH
instrument of coercion, is banished."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
p. 12.
No one is forced or required to become a subject of the
kingdom of Christ. And inside the kingdom there is freedom to
follow Christ. "In Christ's kingdom there is no lordly oppres-
sion, no compulsion of manner."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 550,
551.
"In His [Christ's] plan of government there is no employment
of brute force to compel the conscience."—Christ's
Object Les-
sons,
p. 77.
In earthly society a person's birth makes him a subject of the
realm. In Christ's kingdom entrance is also by birth, a rebirth
(John 3:5). One is not forced to accept this heavenly citizenship;
it comes through faith in Christ, by the action of the will, by
repentance and confession, all motivated by love—Christ's love
for the sinner, and the sinner's loving response to that tender,
winning appeal.
Once in the kingdom of Christ, the subject adopts the ways of
the kingdom, its principles and its requirements. He is always
alert to these and wants to fulfill his obligation to live as a
subject of that kingdom. He must be faithful to it and never deny
its claims upon him. To do so is to deny Christ, his Lord (Matt.
10:33).
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the best identification of our membership in the
heavenly commonwealth?
"Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative
assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the
kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's
nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 509.
"H is court is one where holy love presides, and whose offices
and appointments are graced by the exercise of charity. He
charges His servants to bring pity and lovingkindness, His own
attributes, into all their office work, and to find their happiness
and satisfaction in reflecting the love and tender compassion of
the divine nature on all with whom they associate."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 1111.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 547-551.
75
The Christian and the State
LESSON 9
❑
Tuesday
February 22
Part 3
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there
THE STATE is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of
ORDAINED OF GOD God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the
ordinance of God" (Rom. 13:1, 2).
"The powers that be are ordained of God." Considering the
evil nature of some secular powers that have existed through
the course of history, this seems to be a most difficult statement
to accept. The lesson in it for Christians is that they recognize
the authority of rulers as God-given, and that their own concern
is to be good citizens. "The Christian ... will not presume to take
it into his own hands to resist or to depose 'the powers that
be.'
"—SDA Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 626.
Paul was writing to the Roman Christians at a most turbulent
time in the Jewish history. Incidents of rebellion against the
Roman power were frequent among the Jews. Christians were
not to be involved in such rebellions, evil and despotic though
the controlling government might be.
Christians were to live in cooperation with their appointed
rulers, showing an example of loyalty and order in things relat-
ing to this life. Notice the ways in which Christians could sup-
port their rulers:
1.
They would be obedient to magistrates (Titus 3:1).
2.
They would pray for authorities (1 Tim. 2:1, 2).
3.
They would submit to laws (1 Peter 2:13, 14).
4.
They would honor the king (1 Peter 2:17).
5.
They would pay their taxes (Rom. 13:7).
All in all, the Christian folldwing these admonitions would be
an ideal citizen. We can hardly think of one joining in undermin-
ing the authority of government officers.
Who is the ultimate Ruler over all? Dan. 4:25
THINK IT THROUGH
Can you think of one or more instances in sacred history
where a secular ruler or government carried out God's pur-
pose?
"We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as
seeming to advocate treason. We should weed out from our
writings and utterances every expression that, taken by itself,
could be so misrepresented as to make it appear antagonistic to
law and order. Everything should be carefully considered, lest
we place ourselves on record as encouraging disloyalty to our
country and its laws. We are not required to defy authorities.
There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible
truth, we shall be treated as traitors; but let not this time be
hastened by unadvised movements that stir up animosity and
strife."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 394.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 394-397.
76
The Christian and the State
LESSON 9
❑
Wednesday
February 23
Part 4
"For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.
THE STATE Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do
REQUIRES what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's
OBEDIENCE servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he
does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to
execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be
subject, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of
conscience" (Rom. 13:3-5, RSV).
THINK IT THROUGH
One's view of government is necessarily affected by his view
of history and the development of governmental patterns.
The Christian expresses the proposition that God is, and
throughout history has been, in ultimate control of affairs in this
world. There are those who, on the other hand, view world
history as having come through its various stages as the pro-
duct of man's struggles, his growth in wisdom, and his response
to his environment. In their thinking there is no God who has a
guiding role in the affairs of men. They do not feel any need to
give any thought to an obligation to God as they strive by their
own efforts to make changes or to improve their condition.
The Christian never embarks on any course of action without
sensing his duty to act within the knowledge and plans of God.
This leads him to examine all the issues that concern him and
the state to see how they relate to his relationship to God. He
must look also at how his own position may affect or influence
his fellowmen.
What is Peter's counsel on the Christian's relation to gov-
erning authorities? 1 Peter 2:13, 14.
Christians therefore accept the existence of rules as in God's
plan and offer their cooperative obedience as good citizens.
How can we express opposition to an ordinance of the state
that is contrary to our duty to God without undermining re-
spect for all law? When a law is unjust, is it right for Christians
to go about trying to change it?
"Some, I saw, have a prejudice against our rulers and laws;
but if it were not for law, this world would be in an awful
condition. God restrains our rulers; for the hearts of all are in His
hands. Bounds are set, beyond which they cannot go. Many of
the rulers are those whom Satan controls; but I saw that God
has His agents, even among the rulers. And some of them will
yet be converted to the truth. They are now acting the part that
God would have
them."—Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 203.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 402, 403.
77
The Christian and the State
LESSON 9
❑
Thursday
February 24
Part 5
"Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the
DUALITY OF things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are
CHRISTIAN God's" (Matt. 22:21).
OBLIGATIONS
Everyone in this world lives within some sort of political order,
whether it be under a constitution, tribal law, a monarchy, or
military rule. Nations and communities have government, and
no individual can long insulate himself from that actuality.
While some governments have a Christian philosophy, even to
the point where the Christian faith is established in the govern-
ment, some are based on other religious traditions, or are
frankly atheistic.
The Christian lives within his own political order; and, though
this is a world of sin and often of injustice, he looks upon the
political order as within the mind of God, even as a present part
of His plan for this world. In his relationship with the state there
is no absolute personal liberty; for the state, in order to continue
as the state, claims a degree of power over its subjects.
This situation in one's country does not cancel the fact that
the Christian is also a citizen of Christ's kingdom. The Christian
citizen therefore carries dual citizenship. It is certainly not ethi-
cal for him to deny the claims of either one; rather, he must
recognize the existence of both and endeavor to discharge the
obligations of both under God.
In some issues both the state and the heavenly kingdom claim
legitimate authority over the Christian, for example, the laws
that regulate our relationships to our fellow citizens as stealing,
lying, and doing bodily harm to another. The laws of God go
farther in regulating not only an ouward act but even the
thoughts and motives. (See Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28; 2 Cor. 10:5.)
Thus the Christian strives to maintain a correctness of life that
makes for good citizenship on earth and loyalty to the heavenly
Father.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are some situations where obedience to government
raises problems for a Christian? How can these be resolved?
"In His Gift to the world the Lord has revealed how solicitous
He is that we bear in our lives the marks of our heavenly citizen-
ship by letting every ray of light we have received shine forth in
good works to our fellow-men."—Sons
and Daughters of God,
p. 42.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
p. 602.
78
The Christian and the State
LESSON 9
❑
Friday
February 25
Part 6
"Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you
LOYALTY TO GOD more than unto God, judge ye" (Acts 4:19).
PARAMOUNT
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We
ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
We have noted that in some governments there is an official
recognition of Christianity and even its establishment as the
religion of the state. In other governments a religion other than
Christianity may be the established religion. In still other gov-
ernmentsthere is constitutional separation of church and state.
In some situations the church as an organization seeks to use
political authority or to wield social power so as to achieve its
own ends.
Whatever the circumstances, the individual Christian sus-
tains a basic relation to God and Christ in which no earthly
power can intervene to tell him what he must do. In the Biblical
view the state does not possess absolute sovereignty, but the
claims of the state are always limited by the claims of God. It has
never been the purpose of God, who made man a free moral
being, that he should live under an order based on coercion
alone; and God has reserved in the mind and will of man the
right to make God first in all things.
Obedience to God first may result in paying a high price under
an oppressive earthly rule, and many are the millions of Chris-
tians who have paid that price. True Christians have always
feared God above men.
What was the challenging question hurled by Pharaoh at
Moses and Aaron at their first encounter? Ex. 5:2.
Review briefly the prophecy of Revelation 13 and its lessons
and warnings regarding loyalty to God.
THINK IT THROUGH
Politics has been described as the art of compromise. What
kind of compromise is acceptable, and which is not accepta-
ble?
"We are to receive this word [the Bible] as supreme authority.
We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of
divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty,
within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the
claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God's word
must be recognized as above all human legislation. A 'Thus
saith the Lord' is not to be set aside fora 'Thus saith the church'
or a 'Thus saith the state.' The crown of Christ is to be lifted
above the diadems of earthly potentates."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 69.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 68, 69;
The Great Controversy,
p. 204.
79
10. THC PeOPE
THE PEOPLE AROUND US
LESSON 10 February 27 to March 5
"If ye fulfil the royal law according to
the scripture, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself, ye do well"
(lames 2:8).
The world has shrunk so that people
who used to live in isolated
communities now—through the
radio, television, and print
media—find themselves looking at
and evaluating diverse peoples all over
the world.
They are inclined to judge people by
the houses they live in, their clothes,
their diet, the color of their skin, their
height, their hair, or the shape of the
nose. Some are judged to be
advanced, others categorized as
primitive; some are thought of as
being Christian, others as heathen.
The migration of peoples has moved
masses from one continent to
another, and some countries have
developed populations that are
mixtures of diverse strains and
cultures.
Travel is of great importance in
making people aware of the
characteristics, the values, and the
problems of those who live on distant
continents. The world is getting to be
an open book as man becomes better
and better informed about his
fellowmen. And he often needs to
know better the peoples that inhabit
his own city or village.
These, then, are "The People
Around Us." And what does the
Christian think and do about them?
"The command, 'Go ye into all the
world,' is not to be lost sight of. We are
called upon to lift our eyes to the
'regions beyond.' Christ tears away
the wall of partition, the dividing
l
rejudice of nationality, and teache
s
ove for all the human family. He lif
men from the narrow circle which
their selfishness prescribes; He
abolishes all territorial lines and
artificial distinctions of society. He
makes no difference between
neighbors and strangers, friends ar
enemies. He teaches us to look upc
every needy soul as our brother, ai
the world as our field."—The
Desire
Ages,
p. 823.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Christian and His Neighbor
(Rom. 13:10)
2.
Human Brotherhood (Acts 17:26
3.
Christians and Race (Acts 10:34,
4.
Roots of Prejudice (John 4:9)
5.
When God Re-creates (Col. 3:1(
11)
6.
Heaven Is Inclusive (Rev. 7:9)
OUND
us
In Christ all men are brothers, yet sameness is
not required.
The People Around Us
LESSON 10
❑
Sunday
February 27
Part 1
From what truth does Paul conclude that love fulfills the
THE CHRISTIAN AND law?
HIS NEIGHBOR
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the
fulfilling of the law" (Rom. 13:10).
The term "neighbor" is a concept used frequently in the
Bible. In the KJV it occurs in some form at least 136 times in the
Old Testament and 21 times in the New Testament. The Old
Testament admonitions about relationship to one's neighbor
reached out to almost every situation in life. Offenses against a
neighbor called for stiff penalties (Exodus 22). Taking up a
reproach against a neighbor is condemned (Ps. 15:3) as is
privily slandering a neighbor (Ps. 101:5). Despising a neighbor
shows lack of wisdom (Prov. 11:12); and is a sin (Prov. 14:21).
Sometimes mere chance makes us neighbors in the narrow
sense of living nearby, in a community where our paths cross
from time to time, our children play together, and even house-
wives come over occasionally to borrow a cup of flour or sugar.
God has cast our lot with people so as to make them our
neighbors, to give them a helping hand in a crisis, to lift their
morale, to share with them the truth of which we are custodians.
Could we bestow a better favor upon a neighbor than to share
our faith with him? Certainly God will expect us to give an
account of our stewardship with respect to our influence upon
and our treatment of our neighbors. In the uneven journey of life
we need them and they need us. A Roman sage said that when
your neighbor's house is afire your own house is endangered;
and the reverse is true too.
Jesus, our Example and our Lord, revealed the true meaning
of "neighbor" in the parable of the Jewish priest, the Levite, and
the Samaritan traveler. The neighbor principle fails in the pres-
ence of personal pride or churchly indifference; it reaches
across lines of racial prejudice and stuffy tradition when love
and compassion fill the heart.
THINK IT THROUGH
Give some thought to the ninth and tenth commandments
(Ex. 20:16, 17) and show how they would apply in your twen-
tieth century life.
"By no selfish practices can the cause of Christ be served. His
cause is the cause of the oppressed and the poor. In the hearts
of His professed followers there is need of the tender sympathy
of Christ—a deeper love for those whom He has so valued as to
give His own life for their salvation. These souls are precious,
infinitely more precious than any other offering we can bring to
God."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pp. 383, 384.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 504, 505.
82
The People Around Us
LESSON 10
❑
Monday
February 28
.
Part 2
"And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell
HUMAN on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times
BROTHERHOOD before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation" (Acts
17:26).
People are frequently driven by greed, lust, and feelings of
superiority. As a result some sorry chapters have been written
into history in man's dealings with his fellowmen. In some areas
exploitation has been carried out in the form of colonialism,
particularly by the white races over darker peoples. A particu-
larly grievous relationship through the centuries has been that
of master and slave. Although the days of slavery are past, there
remains a sort of economic slavery where one class abuses
another for profits.
In the Old Testament times God recognized the evil of these
unfair or unfortunate social arrangements and sought to al-
leviate and to set bounds on them. Such was the purpose of the
year of jubilee (Lev. 25:10, 13).
In New Testament times the leaven of Christian teaching
spread through the pagan nations and struck hard at slavery,
polygamy, the gladiatorial contests, and similar practices.
Today principles of Christian love must be applied anew to
intercommunity, international, and interracial relations.
Where have all of the races on earth come from? Gen. 3:20;
10:32.
The "one blood" principle strikes a death blow at the claims
of any group that seeks to elevate itself above another for its
own selfish pride or gain.
THINK IT THROUGH
How does Christ's death on the cross supply us with a
measure of God's regard for every portion of the human race?
Are any left outside the boundary of God's concern?
"During His earthly ministry Christ began to break down the
partition wall between Jew and Gentile, and to preach salvation
to all mankind. Though He was a Jew, He mingled freely with the
Samaritans, setting at nought the Pharisaic customs of the Jews
with regard to this despised people. He slept under their roofs,
ate at their tables, and taught in their streets."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 19.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 49.
83
The People Around Us
LESSON 10
❑
Tuesday
March 1
Part 3
CHRISTIANS
AND RACE
THINK IT THROUGH
What lesson did Peter learn from the vision of the sheet?
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I per-
ceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation
he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted
with him" (Acts 10:34, 35).
The teachings of the Bible lead to these conclusions about
race:
1.
All men are a part of God's creation.
2.
The burden of sin rests equally upon all, so that there is no
elite race free from sin.
3.
God sent Jesus to die for everyone. He died for the poor
degraded cannibal of the jungle as well as for the enlightened
and sophisticated people of every continent.
4.
The saving, restorative, and healing work of the gospel can
be received equally by any people.
5.
The gospel commission places every Christian under obli-
gation to teach the gospel in all parts of the world.
6.
The entrance of gospel truth brings humility into relations
among all the races, and as fellow Christians they are ready to
bend down and wash one another's feet as fellowsaints of the
same heavenly household.
7.
There are no second-class saints in God's family judged on
minority status, economic disadvantage, or lack of education.
8.
Christ showed the way in dealing with race problems by
extending the blessings of His redemptive grace to Samaritans.
Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, and Jews.
9.
Racial intolerance is a judgment based on external criteria
and is unsound and unchristian.
Recall the people of various races and nationalities that live
in your community and point out some of their qualities that
contribute to the total culture.
"In the gift of His Son for our redemption, God has shown how
high a value He places upon every human soul, and He gives to
no man liberty to speak contemptuously of another. We shall
see faults and weaknesses in those about us, but God claims
every soul as His property—His by creation, and doubly His as
purchased by the precious blood of Christ. All were created in
His image, and even the most degraded are to be treated with
respect and tenderness. God will hold us accountable for even a
word spoken in contempt of one soul for whom Christ laid down
His
life."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pp. 56, 57.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 402, 403.
84
The People Around Us
LESSON 10
❑
Wednesday
March 2
Part 4
"Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that
ROOTS OF thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of
PREJUDICE Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans"
(John 4:9).
Embedded in the customs of many peoples are indications
that they look down upon those of another race. It also comes
out in the language as in prejudicial terms that cast a slur upon
the members of another race or citizens of another country.
The use of such expressions marks the user as uncouth,
inconsiderate, or prejudiced. The Christian rejects these words
and roots them out of his working vocabulary.
There may be prejudice that is based on fear, such as fear of
competition, and this should give way to a recognition that
every man is entitled to an opportunity to achieve his best.
An eye-opening experience is to be a visitor or a resident in
a foreign land. What did God say to the children of Israel about
the treatment of foreigners who might live among them? Deut.
10:19.
We need to know all people better, to win their confidence,
and draw them to Jesus.
THINK IT THROUGH
Examine your own life or culture to single out habits or ways
that might be objectionable to people of another race or coun-
try.
"When the Holy Spirit is poured out, there will be a triumph of
humanity over prejudice in seeking the salvation of the souls of
human beings. God will control minds. Human hearts will love
as Christ loved. And the color line will be regarded by many very
differently from the way in which it is now regarded. To love as
Christ loves, lifts the mind into a pure, heavenly, unselfish
atmosphere."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 209.
"No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is
recognized by God. He is the Maker of all mankind. All men are
of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption.
Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open
every compartment of the temple, that every soul may have free
access to God. His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it
penetrates everywhere. It lifts out of Satan's circle the poor
souls who have been deluded by his deceptions. It places them
within reach of the throne of God, the throne encircled by the
rainbow of promise."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 386.
FURTHER STUDY
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 369, 370.
85
The People Around Us
LESSON 10
❑
Thursday
March 3
Part 5
"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowl-
WHEN GOD edge after the image of him that created him: where there is
RE-CREATES neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Bar-
barian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all"
(Col. 3:10, 11).
There is the utmost hopefulness in the gospel of Christ
toward man in whatever plight or circumstance he may be
found.
When Paul was writing to Titus about conditions among the
people in the island of Crete, he had some very unpleasant
things to say about the inhabitants. He pointed out: "One of
themselves, a prophet of their own, said, 'Cretans are always
liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.' This testimony is true" (Titus
1:12, 13, RSV). Yet Paul expressed great hope for those people.
Ellen White wrote of Jesus:
"He sees on every hand souls in darkness, bowed down with
sin and sorrow and pain. But He sees also their possibilities. He
sees the height to which they may attain. Although human
beings have abused their mercies, wasted their talents, and lost
the dignity of godlike manhood, the Creator is to be glorified in
their redemption."—Gospel
Workers,
p. 38.
What outlook or attitude toward the race question would be
absolutely necessary in the life of a successful missionary?
1 Cor.
9:22.
"Never does the gospel put on an aspect of greater loveliness
than when it is brought to the most needy and destitute regions.
. Those who have been loathed and abandoned are through
faith and pardon raised to the dignity of sons and daughters of
God. Lifted above the world, they sit in heavenly places in
Christ. They may have no earthly treasure, but they have found
the pearl of great
price."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 226.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have you ever invited persons of another race or culture to
share the hospitality of your home?
"We have no right to keep our minds stayed on ourselves, our
preferences, and our fancies.... We have a character to main-
tain, but it is the character of Christ. Having the character of
Christ, we can carry on the work of God together. The Christ in
us will meet the Christ in our brethren, and the Holy Spirit will
give that union of heart and action which testifies to the world
that we are children of
God."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 187, 188.
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 25, 26.
86
The People Around Us
LESSON 10
❑
Friday
March 4
Part 6
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man
HEAVEN IS could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and
INCLUSIVE tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed
with white robes, and palms in their hands" (Rev. 7:9).
Long forgotten will be the suspicions of this sinful life on
earth. Language barriers will not stand between; distances that
now separate will be bridged; misconceptions that now feed
human prejudices will be cleared away.
No one will be jealous that those of a different race or color
are there; these envies or resentments have long since, even
while on earth, been cleansed away in the breadth of vision that
comes with Christ's salvation and the redeemed heart.
No one is degraded or humiliated; all have but one ambition,
to serve one another in the spirit of their Lord. Heaven is the
ultimate equalizer, both in concept and in condition.
We are traveling together toward that heavenly home. We
have been called from the ways and thought patterns of the
world, to look on God's great humanity as He does. He is making
up the jewels of His kingdom, and they display a rich variety of
people. In every one Christ sees the travail of His soul and is
satisfied.
What did Jesus teach about where the saved will come
from? Matt. 8:11; John 10:16.
THINK IT THROUGH
How best could a member of a minority group witness as a
Christian in his community?
"Christ will perform wonderful miracles if men will but do
their God-given part. In human hearts today as great a transfor-
mation may be wrought as has ever been wrought in genera-
tions past. John Bunyan was redeemed from profanity and
reveling, John Newton from slave dealing, to proclaim an up-
lifted Saviour. A Bunyan and a Newton may be redeemed from
among men today. Through human agents who co-operate with
the divine, many a poor outcast will be reclaimed, and in his turn
will seek to restore the image of God in man. There are those
who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked in
ways of error because they knew no better way, to whom beams
of light will
come."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 236.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 257-261.
87
11. THC MORAL U9
For the Christian, ethical use of power always
implies the loving, sacrificial attitude
of Jesus.
The Moral Use of Power
LESSON 11
❑
Sunday
March 6
Part 1
What traits of His character did God reveal to Moses on
GOD'S CHARACTER Mount Sinai?
"And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The
Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and
abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for
thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and
that will by no means clear the guilty" (Ex. 34:6, 7).
God has supreme power in the universe, in our world, and in
the affairs that have to do with our salvation. He alone is worthy
to exercise this great power, for it rests in a Being whose very
nature is wisdom and love. It was in order to demonstrate that
love and mercy that the Son of God came to save the inhabitants
of our guilty, rebellious world. How different it would have been
with us had God chosen to deal with us according to what we
justly deserve.
The condition of our world, filled as it is with deceit, immoral-
ity, hatred, bloodshed, and injustice, cries out for retribution.
Why does God delay in setting things right? The answer is
clearly seen in the character of God as revealed in the Bible in
dealing with individuals and nations in instances such as: (1)
the sin of Israel (Ex. 32:9-11, 14; Num. 14:17-20); (2) the sin of
David (2 Sam. 12:13,14); (3) the sparing of Nineveh (Jonah 3:10).
We have another example of divine forbearance and patience
in the way Jesus dealt with Peter, who denied Him during His
trial (Luke 22:60-62).
The character of God should be seen increasingly in the lives
of Christians.
THINK IT THROUGH
What lessons to guide us in our relationship with those over
whom we have some measure of control can we find in God's
dealings with our world and His people? What evidences exist
that God's sovereign power is under the control of His mercy
and justice?
"When we study the divine character in the light of the cross
•
we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity
and justice. We see in the midst of the throne One bearing in
hands and feet and side the marks of the suffering endured to
reconcile man to God. We see a Father, infinite, dwelling in light
unapproachable, yet receiving us to Himself through the merits
of His Son. The cloud of vengeance that threatened only misery
and despair, in the light reflected from the cross reveals the
writing of God: Live, sinner, live! ye penitent, believing souls,
live! I have paid a ransom."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 333.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 737-746.
90
The Moral Use
of Power
LESSON 11
❑
Monday
March 7
Part 2
"Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that in the
THE SPIRIT OF world, rulers lord it over their subjects, and their great men
DOMINATION IN make them feel the weight of authority; but it shall not be so
THE WORLD with you" (Matt. 20:25, 26, NEB).
We must all agree that there should be a proper exercise of
authority by those who control in society, in the home, and even
in the church. This is a part of God's order and should have our
consent and cooperation.
However, in the world we often witness the exercise of naked
power, resulting in oppression, discrimination, extortion, per-
secution, and similar injustice. This is in tune with the spirit of
the world but not with the kingdom of Christ. It is in harmony
with the character of the prince of this world who has always
lusted for power.
What are some of the characteristics ascribed to Lucifer by
the prophet Isaiah? Isa. 14:12-14.
"When Adam sinned, man broke away frOm the heaven-
ordained center. A demon became the central power in the
world. Where God's throne should have been, Satan placed his
throne. The world laid its homage, as a willing sacrifice, at the
feet of the enemy."—Counsels
to Teachers,
p. 33.
The philosophy of worldly power is to have no place among
the subjects of Christ's kingdom.
"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the
world" (1 John 2:16).
Notice how the spirit of domination is exercised in the last
days to control the lives of people through oppression and
discrimination. (See Rev. 13:16, 17.)
THINK IT THROUGH
In what organizations is a spirit of dominance evident?
"Lucifer desired God's power, but not His character. He
sought for himself the highest place, and every being who is
actuated by his spirit will do the same. Thus alienation, discord,
and strife will be inevitable. Domination becomes the prize of
the strongest. The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force;
every individual regards every other as an obstacle in the way of
his own advancement, or a steppingstone on which he himself
may climb to a higher place."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 435, 436.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Spirituality of the
Law (Matt. 5:22), pp. 55-58.
91
The Moral Use of Power
LESSON 11
❑
Tuesday
March 8
Part 3
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that
PAYING BACK curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
FOR EVIL which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44).
The words of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount sound so
unreal and other-worldly. Some would even say they are not
very workable in this thoughtless, competitive, unjust world.
We are not to "resist evil" (Matt. 5:39), or to fight back when
smitten (verse 39); but to yield to unjust lawsuits (verse 40), and
to love our enemies (verse 44). Thus we will be children of our
Father which is in heaven (verse 45).
What penetrating, difficult instruction this is for us in our
human frame of thinking! It is difficult for us humanly to imagine
how it is possible for the meek to inherit the earth (verse 5). How
can they ever hold out?
What principle is especially enjoined upon the brethren in
their relations one with another? 1 Peter 3:8, 9.
THINK IT THROUGH
It is only as we have the mind of God, as we begin to become
sharers of His nature, that we come to understand how such a
renewal of human attitudes can take place, and how valid are
the principles Jesus proclaimed.
Our minds need to be cleansed from the prides and worldly
standards of this life, and spiritually sensitized repeatedly by the
flooding of the Spirit into our hearts.
The Christian can only agree with Paul's statement about
God's evaluation that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness"
(1 Cor. 3:19).
How can we refrain from paying back evil with evil? By recog-
nizing that our case is in God's hands, as Joseph did with his
brothers who had wronged him so terribly in his youth.
Does making others suffer really heal our own wounds?
How far should we go in claiming our dues in the face of open
dishonesty on the part of others?
"Strength of character consists of two things—power of will
and power of self-control. Many youth mistake strong, uncon-
trolled passion for strength of character; but the truth is that he
who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real great-
ness and nobility of the man is measured by the power of the
feelings that he subdues, not by the power of the feelings that
subdue him. The strongest man is he, who, while sensitive to
abuse, will yet restrain passion and forgive his enemies. Such
men are true
heroes."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 656.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Shall Not God Avenge His Own?"
pp. 171-173 (pp. 175, 176 in 1923 ed.).
92
The Moral Use
of Power
LESSON 11
❑
Wednesday
March 9
Part 4
"Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he
CHRIST'S USE shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?"
OF POWER (Matt. 26:53).
The attitude of Christ toward the use of power is in striking
contrast to the attitudes of the world and even of those of His
followers nearest to Him. To Pilate He declared: "My kingdom is
not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would
my servants fight" (John 18:36). When Peter d rew the sword and
cut off the ear of the high priest's servant, Jesus rebuked him
and accepted the indignity that lay ahead (verses 10, 11). James
and John wanted Jesus to call fire down from heaven upon a
village of the Samaritans who would not show hospitality to Him
and His party. He rebuked them and said, "Ye know not what
manner of spirit ye are of" (Luke 9:55). He declined to say who
should sit at His right and left in His kingdom, leaving that with
His Father to decide (Matt. 20:23).
On the other hand, Jesus drove out the merchants and money
changers from the temple, saying they had made it a den of
thieves (Matt. 21:12, 13). He was zealous to enhance God's
honor, not to exercise His own authority. Christ had power to
forgive sins and did not hesitate to exercise it (Matt. 9:6; John
8:11). He bestowed upon His twelve disciples power to cast out
unclean spirits and to heal diseases (Matt. 10:1). Jesus Himself
spoke with an authority that generated confidence in the minds
of His listeners (Luke 4:32, 36).
Christ used His power to instruct, heal, combat the forces of
evil, and overcome their results. He never used His power for
display, selfish reasons, or to prove Himself to His critics. Herein
we discern the holiness of His character: knowing He pos-
sessed the power, He used it with such discrimination. He saw
that genuine changes in men's thought and action come about
only by reason and persuasion.
What does Peter point out as one way in which Jesus uses
His great power? 2 Peter 1:3.
"Christ has given us His life as a pattern, and we dishonor Him
when we become jealous of every slight, and are ready to resent
every injury, supposed or real. It is not an evidence of a noble
mind to be prepared to defend self, to preserve our own dignity.
We would better suffer wrongfully a hundred times than wound
the soul by a spirit of retaliation, or by giving vent to wrath.
There is strength to be obtained of God. He can help. He can
give grace and heavenly
wisdom."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp. 426,
427.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:5), pp. 13-18.
93
The Moral Use
of Power
LESSON 11
❑
Thursday
March 10
Part 5
"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine
RESTRAINTS heart be glad when he stumbleth" (Prov. 24:17).
Saul, out of jealousy and moved by a perverse, evil spirit,
endeavored to take David's life. On two occasions during this
time Saul fell under David's power. At one time David cut off the
skirt of Saul's robe, but later repented that he had acted so
boldly and disrespectfully toward the king (1 Sam. 24:4-6). On
another occasion David and Abishai penetrated Saul's camp at
night and took away his spear and cruse of water. David refused
to take the life of the king when it was within his power to do so
(1 Sam. 26:8-12).
Abraham refused to exericse his seniority and authority over
his nephew, Lot. He gave Lot his choice of territory to avoid
clashes between their herdsmen (Gen. 13:7-9).
"The cultivation of a uniform courtesy, a willingness to do to
others as we would wish them to do to us, would annihilate half
the ills of life. The spirit of selfaggrandizement is the spirit of
Satan; but the heart in which the love of Christ is cherished, will
possess that charity which seeketh not her
own."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
p. 133.
When asked about the tares growing among the wheat, the
householder instructed the servants to let the tares remain until
the harvest time (Matt. 13:27-30).
Unhappily, now as well as in Bible times, many show lack of
restraint in the use of power. For an extreme example, see the
story of how Herod had John the Baptist beheaded (Mark 6:
25-28).
THINK IT THROUGH
How does the exercise of restraint apply at home? at
school? at work? in traveling on the highway?
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in
honour preferring one another" (Rom. 12:10).
"Every true Christian will develop in his life the characteris-
tics of this divine love; he will reveal a spirit of forbearance, of
beneficence, and a freedom from envy and jealousy. This
character developed in word and act will not repulse, and will
not be unapproachable, cold, and indifferent to the interests of
others. The person who cultivates the precious plant of love will
be self-denying in spirit, and will not yield self-control even
under provocation. He will not impute wrong motives and evil
intentions to others, but will feel deeply over sin when discov-
ered in any of the disciples of
Christ."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p.
123.
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 485-487;
The Desire of Ages,
p. 466.
94
The Moral Use of Power
LESSON 11
❑
Friday
March 11
Part 6
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any
CHRISTIAN INFLU- man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you,
ENCE AT WORK so also do ye" (Col. 3:13).
The Old Testament sets forth principles of ethical conduct.
Lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest was especially
pointed out as unjust (Ex. 22:25). Even a poor person's raiment,
taken as a pledge, was to be returned before the coldness of the
night set in (verses 26, 27). Amos called for justice and righ-
teousness to be exercised in the nation (Amos 5:24).
What is the instruction in the New Testament about the
behavior of believers toward others?
Guard against the source of wars and fightings among you
(James 4:1); put off anger, wrath, malice (Col. 3:8); lay aside
malice, guile, envies (1 Peter 2:1); show the fruit of the Spirit
(Gal. 5:22-24).
THINK IT THROUGH
In what ways should I improve in exercising care and re-
straint toward others and in seeing that my attitudes and
actions are just?
"God has given to men talents of influence which belong to
Him alone, and no greater dishonor can be done to God than for
one finite agent to bring other men's talents under his absolute
control, even though the benefits of the same be used to the
advantage of the cause. In such arrangements one man's mind
is ruled by another man's mind, and the human agency is sepa-
rated from God and exposed to temptation. Satan's methods
tend to one end—to make men the slaves of men. And when this
is done, confusion and distrust, jealousies and evil surmisings,
are the result. Such a course destroys faith in God and in the
principles which are to control, to purge from guile and every
species of selfishness and hypocrisy.
"The high-handed power that has been developed, as though
position has made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to
cause fear. It is a curse wherever and by whomsoever it is
exercised. This lording it over God's heritage will create such a
disgust of man's jurisdiction that a state of insubordination will
result. The people are learning that men in high positions of
responsibility cannot be trusted to mold and fashion other
men's minds and characters. The result will be a loss of confi-
dence even in the management of faithful
men."—Testimonies
to Ministers,
pp. 360, 361.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The
Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:7), pp. 21-24.
95
12.11-1C MORAL M
In this dark world the Christian should be
a
source of light and strength.
THE MORAL MAN
LESSON 12 March 13-19
"That you may be blameless and
nnocent, children of God without
ilernish in the midst of a crooked and
lerverse generation, among whom
rou shine as lights in the world" (Phil.
l:15, RSV).
The truly moral man or woman
stands out as a member of God's
mobility. His heart is moved by love to
sod, he longs to know God better,
Ind to perform His will more fully. He
nay be surrounded by crookedness
and deceit, pride and hypocrisy, but
le rejects the low standard of the
.thics of his time and aims to meet the
standard of God's law and His
dngdom. That means that not only will
lis conduct be outwardly correct but
iis inward life will truly give consent to
sod's way. This true inward morality's
he result of the renewing power of
he Holy Spirit. The truly moral man
las had a change of heart; his heart is
io longer made of stone but of flesh
Eze. 36:26) and. God's law is inscribed
here by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:3).
The moral man or woman is
;enuine, sincere, faithful, believable.
-le is God's answer to this apostate
veneration; he is God's word in the
ace of doubt and cynicism, giving
:redence to the whole plan of
alvation.
"We must let our light shine amid
he moral darkness. Many who are
mow in darkness, as they see a
eflection of the Light of the world, wilt
eatize that they have a hope of
alvation. Your light may be small, but
emember that it is what God has
Oven you, and that He holds you
responsible to let it shine forth.
Someone may light his taper from
yours, and his light may be the means
of leading others out from the
darkness."—Testimonies, vol. 9,
p. 171.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Hypocrisy (Luke 18:9)
2.
Source of True Righteousness
(Rom. 3:21, 22)
3.
No Salvation by Works (Rom. 3:20)
4.
Love of Righteousness (Heb. 1:9)
5.
Salt of the Earth (Matt. 5:13)
6.
Making Righteousness Believable
(Matt. 5:16)
The Moral Man
LESSON 12
❑
Sunday
March 13
Part 1
"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in
HYPOCRISY themselves that they were righteous, and despised others"
(Luke 18:9).
The parable that follows the above text is about the two men
who went up to the temple to pray.
What was the status and attitude of the first worshiper?
Verses 11, 12. Compare him with the other worshiper and his
attiude. Verse 13.
THINK IT THROUGH
The Pharisee was in reality paying homage to himself, to his
lack of evil deeds in contrast to the lives of the sinners around
him. How greatly he gloried in his status, his correctness in
living by the letter of the law! There appeared to be much to
approve in the way he lived. His fault lay in making himself the
center of his life and worship.
The humble publican was aware of his inner unfitness to
reach God's standard of holiness. His genuine humility drew the
approval of Jesus. There is also a false humility that could
almost be called a "proud humility." It is a kind of good works by
which a person may seek to please God. The perfect pattern in
humility is that shown by Jesus as described by Paul in Philip-
pians 2:5-8.
What is hypocrisy? And in what connection did Christ speak
of it? (See Matt. 6:2; 23:13-15, 25.)
Why should we not allow the fear of being called hypocrites
to deter us from trying to lead an upright, moral life?
"There is cheap religion in abundance, but there is no such
thing as cheap Christianity. Self may figure largely in a false
religion, but it cannot appear in Christian experience."—
Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 339.
"Among the followers of our Lord today, as of old, how wide-
spread is this subtle, deceptive sin [of hypocrisy]! How often our
service to Christ, our communion with one another, is marred
by the secret desire to exalt self! How ready the thought of
self-gratulation, and the longing for human approval! It is the
love of self, the desire for an easier way than God has appointed
that leads to the substitution of human theories and traditions
for the divine precepts. To His own disciples the warning words
of Christ are spoken, 'Take heed and beware of the leaven of the
Pharisees.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
p. 409.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 386, 387;
Christ's Object Les-
sons
("Lost and Is Found") next to last page, p. 210.
98
The Moral Man
LESSON 12
❑
Monday
March 14
Part 2
"But now the righteousness of God without the law Is man-
SOURCE OF TRUE ifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even
RIGHTEOUSNESS the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe" (Rom. 3:21, 22).
Since "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"
(Rom. 3:23), it follows that righteousness cannot be found
within man. The principles of rightdoing are implanted in the
regenerated life by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:1, 4; 1 Cor. 3:16).
The life pattern of the believer does not come up fully to the
standard of God's righteousness. The righteousness of Christ is
imputed to him so that before God he is seen as altogether
righteous (Rom. 3:22).
"Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the sanctification of the
truth, the believer becomes fitted for the courts of heaven; for
Christ works within us, and His righteousness is upon us."—
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 395.
The Christian knows the source of his righteousness and
takes no credit for what he has achieved in keeping God's law.
He lives with assurance that God has pardoned his sins and
moment by moment gives him strength to prevail.
Would this not be a good moment to pause and repeat with
faith and full assurance the promise of Jesus in the fourth
Beatitude? Matt. 5:6.
THINK IT THROUGH
Apply the following statements from the pen of Ellen White
thoughtfully to your own experience:
"We should take the greatest care to live a blameless life and
abstain from all aopearance of evil, and then it is our duty to
move boldly forward, and pay no regard to the reproachful
falsehoods of the
wicked."—Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 353.
"The righteousness manifested in the character of Christ was
forever to be the anchor, the saving hope, of the world. Every
soul who chooses Christ can say with faith, 'The Lord my righ-
teousness.'
"—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 348.
"Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to
parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful
minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light
and power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ's
church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his
humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the
weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace
of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to
glory."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 160.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 397, 398.
99
The Moral Man
LESSON 12
❑
Tuesday
March 15
Part 3
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be
NO SALVATION justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin"
BY WORKS (Rom. 3:20).
When we say that there is no salvation by our works, we do not
take the position that there is salvation without good works.
Good works in the life of one who has chosen to accept God's
way will follow his faith as surely as sun and rain bring the
harvest.
The danger lies in placing one's confidence for salvation in
the merits of one's own record of good deeds. Many religious
people, because they wanted to perform some worthy deed,
have built churches or shrines, and that is good; but the chari-
table act does not ensure their acceptance with God.
What was the basis of Paul's hope of acceptance in God's
sight? Phil. 3:9; Titus 3:5. (Compare with Gal. 2:16.)
Paul had much over which he might feel personal satisfac-
tion: his race and tribe, his religious sect, his zeal, his observ-
ance of the law, and his high moral character, all of which might
be looked upon as gain (Phil. 3:5, 6).
Luther, ascending the sacred stairs in Rome on his knees,
came suddenly to the realization that this ceremony was really
powerless to save him. He could not win God's approval by
performing meritorious works. The same is true of pilgrimages,
fastings, even prayers when done by rote to gain merit. The only
life that counts is the one based on faith, which is followed by
obedience.
What is the meaning of Ezekiel 14:14?
THINK IT THROUGH
Have I been trusting to my good works, and if I have, how
should I change my relationship to God?
"None but God can subdue the pride of man's heart. We
cannot save curselves. We cannot regenerate ourselves. In the
heavenly courts there will be no song sung, To me that loved
myself, and washed myself, redeemed myself, unto me be glory
and honor, blessing and praise. But this is the keynote of the
song that is sung by many here in this world. They do not know
what it means to be meek and lowly in heart; and they do not
mean to know this, if they can avoid it. The whole gospel is
comprised in learning of Christ, His meekness and
lowliness."—Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 456.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 389-391.
100
The Moral Man
LESSON 12
❑
Wednesday
March 16
Part 4
"Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; there-
LOVE OF fore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of
RIGHTEOUSNESS gladness above thy fellows" (Heb. 1:9).
When Jesus comes into the life and the Holy Spirit is active, a
love is generated for the things that are good, true, and holy.
This is God's way to break the hold of sin in the human life. The
end of this experience is that one comes to love righteousness
as Jesus did. And this cultivating of the love of the right is one of
our most pressing needs.
The strong grip of the world upon our lives may be broken. An
acceptance of the lovely character of Christ alone can do this.
Then we will not love the sordid, prideful standards by which
this Satan-controlled world lives. Our ideals will reach up to the
lofty standards set before us in God's Word.
Our lives are molded by that upon which our faith is fixed. Do
we love Jesus and the traits of His character—honesty, truthful-
ness, generosity, morality, and courage? If so, then these will be
exalted and emulated in the acts of our daily lives.
"God has had moral heroes, and He has them now,—those
who are not ashamed of being His peculiar people. Their wills
and plans are all subordinate to the law of
God."—Testimonies,
vol. 5. p. 527.
What admonition of Amos to lsreal is applicable in our mod-
ern times also? Amos 5:15.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are there instances in which I do not love rightdoing? If
there are, what shall I do about it?
"Each one must hunger and thirst after righteousness for
himself. Leaning upon men, and trusting in their wisdom, is
dangerous to the spiritual life of any Christian. Those in whom
confidence is placed may be honest and true, serving the Lord
with all diligence. But if, individually, we are endeavoring to
walk in the footsteps of Christ, we can follow Him as well as
those whom we admire for their consistent, humble lives."—
Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 385.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:6), pp. 18-21.
101
The Moral Man
LESSON 12
Thursday
March 17
Part 5
What is the meaning of salt in relation to the Christian life?
SALT OF THE
EARTH
"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste,
how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for
anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by
men" (Matt. 5:13, RSV).
True Christianity in Christi followers gives a certain flavor to
life that is an influence in the world. Christians living in this
world remain in contact with society, and their genuine good-
ness and morality have a saving, restraining effect upon their
neighbors as they witness to God's holiness.
"It would be as unthinkable for a Christian to lose his essen-
tial characteristics and still be a Christian as it would be for salt
to lose its saltiness and still be considered and used as salt. If
Christians are such in name only, their nominal citizenship in
the kingdom of heaven becomes a farce. They are not Christians
unless they reflect the character of Christ, regardless of what
their profession may
be."—SDA Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p.
330.
The Jewish moralists, branded by Christ as hypocrites, had
lost their saltiness. Yet God had intended them to be the bearers
of His salvation to the world. He intended that they should be
moral and redemptive seasoning in the world.
THINK IT THROUGH
A person from whose life the saltiness, the grace and the
power of God, is lost is "good for nothing." What am I good for
in this world?
'Ye are the salt of the earth,' Jesus said. Do not withdraw
yourselves from the world in order to escape persecution. You
are to abide among men, that the savor of the divine love may be
as.salt to preserve the world from corruption.
"Hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the
channels through which God's blessing flows. Were those who
serve God removed from the earth, and His Spirit withdrawn
from among men, this world would be left to desolation and
destruction, the fruit of Satan's dominion. Though the wicked
know it not, they owe even the blessings of this life to the
presence, in the world, of God's people whom they despise and
oppress. But if Christians are such in name only, they are like
the salt that has lost its savor. They have not influence for good
in the world. Through their misrepresentation of God they are
worse than unbelievers."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 306.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes,"
(Matt. 5:13), pp. 35-38.
102
The Moral Man
LESSON 12
❑
Friday
March 18
Part 6
MAKING RIGHTEOUS-
NESS BELIEVABLE
What is the purpose of letting one's light shine?
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt.
5:16).
It would be ideal if all Christians were attractive people so that
their character and life would draw unbelievers to Christ and
give them confidence in the Christian way. Unfortunately some
so-called Christians may show traits that have just the opposite
effect so that others tend to be repelled or disappointed rather
than drawn to the Christian faith.
Our mission in life is to represent the way of uprightness so
that those around us will have confidence in our morality and
then in Christ from whom it comes. Some of the qualities that
will help to build this confidence are these:
1.
Humility.
Do not make a parade of goodness. No one is
likelyto admire our way if we seem to show pride in our morality.
(See 1 Cor. 13:4; Matt. 6:1.)
2.
Consistency.
Our actions must conform reasonably to our
profession; otherwise we fall into the trap of hypocrisy. To
frankly admit our errors and confess our sins will add credibility
to our example. Keep in mind David's example. (See 2 Sam.
24:10.)
3.
Tact.
We should avoid thrusting our ideas upon those we
wish to win. They may not be ready to take the advanced stand
that we have chosen. People must be allowed opportunity to
weigh issues and reach their own decisions. The Holy Spirit
must be given time to do its quiet work upon the heart.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what ways do I fail to be a believable Christian in my home
and community?
"When those who profess the faith show their lives to be
consistent with their faith, then we shall see a power attending
the presentation of the truth, a power that will convict the sinner
and draw souls nigh to Christ.
"A consistent faith is rare among rich men. Genuine faith,
sustained by works, is seldom found. But all who possess this
faith will be men who will not lack influence. They will copy after
Christ; they will possess that disinterested benevolence, that
interest in the work of saving souls, that He
had."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp. 663, 664.
FURTHER STUDY
The Sanctified Life,
pp. 12, 13.
103
13. STENG114 FC
STRENGTH FOR MORAL ACTION
LESSON 13 March 20-26
"In the day when I cried thou
answeredst me, and strengthenedst
me with strength in my soul" (Ps.
138:3).
We need strength in the soul as we
strive to reach the moral 'standards of
our heavenly citizenship while still
living in this sinful world.
As we read of the apostle Paul's
struggle to do righteousness, we feel a
kinship with him. We know all too well
the reality of this inner personal
struggle.
"I delight in the law of God, in my
inmost self, but I see in my members
another law at war with the law of my
mind and making me captive to the law
of sin which dwells in my members.
Wretched man that I am! Who will
deliver me from this body of death?
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ
our Lord!" (Rom. 7:22-25, RSV).
The Bible has left us a record of the
lives of the great heroes of God who
prevailed with His help—men and
women like Abraham, Noah, Joseph,
David, Ruth, Jacob, Esther, Daniel,
Peter, Mark, and Nathanael. They all
drew strength from God and became
conquerors over weaknesses and
grievous faults of character.
"Men whom God favored, and to
whom He entrusted great
responsibilities, were sometimes
overcome by temptation and
committed sin, even as we at the
present day strive, waver, and
frequently fall into error. Their lives,
with all their faults and follies, are
open before us, both for our
encouragement and warning. If they
had been represented as without faul
.
we, with our sinful nature, might
despair at our own mistakes and
failures. But seeing where others
struggled through discouragements
like our own, where they fell under
temptation as we have done, and ye
took heart again and conquered
through the grace of God, we are
encouraged in our striving after
righteousness. As they, though
sometimes beaten back, recovered
their ground, and were blessed of
God, so we too may be overcomers ii
the strength of Jesu
s."—Patriarchs an
.
Prophets,
p. 238.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Dedicated Will (Phil. 3:13, 14
2.
The Conscience
(1
Tim. 1:19)
3.
The Holy Spirit's Part (Eph. 3:16)
4.
Power of God's Word (Heb. 4:12
5.
Dependence Upon Divine Help
(Ps. 16:8)
6.
Victorious in Christ (John 16:33)4
ACION
Moral strength comes from above, through
daily communion with God.
Strength for Moral Action
LESSON 13
❑
Sunday
March 20
Part 1
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this
THE DEDI- one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and
CATED WILL reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press
toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13, 14).
God has given to us the capacity to choose between right and
wrong. He has revealed to us a knowledge of the issues that
pertain to right and wrong. There is thus placed upon us the
responsibility for the path we shall choose.
The matter of free choice is a clear teaching of God's Word.
(See Deut. 30:19; Rev. 22:17).
What commendation did Jesus give Mary for the role she
had assumed at the time of His visit in her home? Luke 10:42.
Our choice decides our destiny. No individual will be saved
against his will. God respects our choices, and when we choose
salvation He comes to help and support us. We must place our
will on His side in response to His invitation. As we dedicate our
will to making the right moral choices—obeying His law, follow-
ing His will—we also seek His sustaining and supporting grace.
God wants us to rise above the fickleness and instability of a life
of moral indecision.
Notice the comments of the apostle James:
"He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind
and tossed" (James 1:6).
"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways" (verse 8).
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he
will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to
you" (James 4:7, 8).
THINK IT THROUGH
I bow to God and give my will to Him. I see my need and seek
His help. He has promised to come to me with His help, and in
faith I claim that promise.
"What you need to understand is the true force of the will.
This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of
decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of
the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to
exercise. You cannot change your heart. you cannot of yourself
give to God its affections; but you can
choose
to serve Him. You
can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do
according to His good pleasure."—Steps
to Christ,
p. 47.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies, vol.
5, pp. 513-516.
106
Strength for Moral Action
LESSON 13
❑
Monday
March 21
Part 2
What did Paul counsel Timothy to hold along with faith?
THE CONSCIENCE
"Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having
put away concerning faith have made shipwreck" (1 Tim.
1:19).
Let us notice a definition of the conscience: "The sense or
consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of
one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a
feeling of obligation to do right or be
good."—Webster's
Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary.
"Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of
human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is
grieved."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 120.
George Washington said, "Labor to keep alive in your breast
that little spark of celestial fire called Conscience."
From a study of the Bible on the subject of conscience several
principles stand out:
1.
There is a conscience that is enlightened and responsive
(Acts 24:16; Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 1:12; Heb. 13:18).
•
2.
A conscience can be abused so as to become seared and
unresponsive (1 Tim. 1:19; 4:2).
3.
An abused conscience can be renewed in faith to exercise
its rightful place in the life (Heb. 9:14).
THINK IT THROUGH
A conscience is personal, designed to guide myself, not
another.
"God does not send messengers to flatter the sinner. He
delivers no message of peace to lull the unsanctified into fatal
security. He lays heavy burdens upon the conscience of the
wrongdoer, and pierces the soul with arrows of conviction."—
The Desire of Ages,
p. 104.
"This daily review of our acts, to see whether conscience
approves or condemns, is necessary for all who wish to arrive at
the perfection of Christian character."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p.
512.
"Let it be written upon the conscience as with a pen of iron
upon the rock, that real success, whether for this life or for the
life to come, can be secured only by faithful adherence to the
eternal principles of
right."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 164.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 195-197;
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp.
69, 70.
107
Strength for Moral Action
LESSON 13
❑
Tuesday
March 22
Part
3
"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his
THE HOLY glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner
SPIRIT'S PART man" (Eph. 3:16).
The Holy Spirit, sent from heaven as the Comforter, is also a
reprover of sin (John 16:7, 8). He works in behalf of righteous-
ness and judgment to help fit the soul to stand before God. He
guides the responsive person into truth (verse 13) and makes
the presence of Christ real in the inner life (verse 14).
Every true Christian has felt the influence of the Holy Spirit in
his life, drawing him, warning him, and reassuring him of the
things of Christ. As we invite Christ to take control of our lives,
the Holy Spirit makes the personal experience real. "The impar-
tation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 805.
Furthermore the Holy Spirit causes the Christian graces,
called the "fruit" of the Spirit, to develop in the life. This fruit is
seen in the positive Christian virtues.
The Holy Spirit stands ready to help us. "Christ always sepa-
rates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of
the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be
imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sin ni ng."—
The Desire of Ages,
p. 311.
The Holy Spirit was likened by Jesus to the wind whose pres-
ence is not seen but whose activity is real, being evidenced by
the results it produces. Though invisible to human eyes the Holy
Spirit's activities in the life are truly seen and felt, witnessing to
the divine presence.
"When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it
transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are
renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger,
envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the counte-
nance reflects the light of heaven."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 173.
THINK IT THROUGH
The Holy Spirit comes in as an invited guest; have I made
ready for Him, and am I really prepared to welcome Him?
"All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God
shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the
soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ
and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the
work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His
image."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 302.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 669-672.
108
Strength for Moral Action
LESSON 13
❑
Wednesday
March 23
Part 4
"The word of God is living and active, sharper than any
POWER OF two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and
GOD'S WORD spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and
intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12, RSV).
Paul was fully convinced of the power and authority of God's
Holy Word, and he believed in its effectiveness to do its work in
the Christian life.
God's Word defines truth, supports our faith, exposes un-
truth, and measures our conduct. Without it we are in hopeless
confusion as to the rightness and wrongness of our plans. The
philosophy of our time helps but little and is more likely to lead
us astray. The Bible is the Christian's source book for ethical
judgments. Jesus used the Old Testament Scriptures to give the
authority for His rejection of Satan's subtle temptations (Matt.
4:4, 7, 10), and as the foundation for His doctrine.
Ellen White teaches the importance of Scripture. "One sen-
tence of Scripture is of more value than ten thousand of man's
ideas or arguments."—Testimonies,
vol.
7, p. 71.
The Bible, studied sincerely, will educate and correct the
conscience. "If we would live a true Christian life, the con-
science must be quickened by constant contact with the word
of
God."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 195.
The Bible lifts us from earth into a heavenly atmosphere. "As
you take the Bible in your hands, remember that you are on holy
ground."—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
p. 195.
The Bible is God's message to us. "It [the Scriptures] is the
medium of communication between God and man."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 69.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I increase my growth daily, weekly, in knowledge of
the Bible?
"When the Bible is made the study book, with earnest suppli-
cation for the Spirit's guidance, and with a full surrender of the
heart to be sanctified through the truth, all that Christ has
promised will be accomplished. The result of such Bible study
will be well-balanced minds. The understanding will be quick-
ened, the sensibilities aroused. The conscience will become
sensitive; the sympathies and sentiments will be purified; a
better moral atmosphere will be created; and new power to
resist temptation will be imparted."—Counsels
to Teachers,
p.
357.
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 123-127.
109
Strength for Moral Action
LESSON 13
❑
Thursday
March 24
Part 5
"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my
DEPENDENCE UPON right hand, I shall not be moved" (Ps. 16:8).
DIVINE HELP
When divine forces are invited to join us in the spiritual battles
of life, we have a majority on our side. This gives us confidence
and places the weight of the battle upon One who is able to bear
it. We wrestle against powerful forces, dark and evil (Eph. 6:12),
and so are admonished to put on the whole armor of God.
In the world's great religions we find many noble sentiments
and lofty ethical principles. These are effectual only as they
become operative in the lives of people.
In Christianity, centered in the life of God's Son, we have the
promise of divine help to live by the ethical principles taught.
This is the distinction between the way to God through Christ,
the door, as compared to the false ways that promise en-
lightenment but lack the power to make needed changes.
Here again the Bible points the way: (1) "Christ liveth in me"
(Gal. 2:20); (2) "It is God which worketh in you" (Phil. 2:13); (3)
"He is able to succor them that are tempted" (Heb. 2:18); (4)
"Grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).
THINK IT THROUGH
It would be well for all of us to memorize the consecration
prayer from "Christ's Object Lessons," page 159"
"Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is thy property.
Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of
myself, my weak, un-Christlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise
me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of
Thy love can flow through my soul."
The results of this consecration are summarized in the follow-
ing paragraph:
"All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God will be
constantly receiving a new endowment of physical and mental
power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their com-
mand. Christ gives them the breath of His own spirit, the life of
His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to
work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multi-
plies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature
comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through
co-operation with Christ they are complete in Him, and in their
human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of
Omnipotence."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 827.
FURTHER STUDY
Messages to Young People,
pp. 105-110.
110
Strength for Moral Action
LESSON 13
❑
Friday
March 25
Part 6
"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;
VICTORIOUS I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
IN CHRIST
We must never for a moment lose sight of the fact that
adequate heavenly agencies are with us to make our lives
spiritually successful and victorious. The victory in life is found
in Christ and when we take Him we have the victory. It cannot
elude our grasp as long as we hold firm to Him. (1) He is the Vine,
we are the branches (John 15: 1, 5); (2) He is the Shepherd: we
are His sheep (John 10:4, 11); (3) He is the Bread of life (John
6:35); (4) He is the "Prince of life" (Acts 3:15).
The ethical and moral standards for the Christian have been
set forth in God's law and His Word. We can reach them only
through faith in Christ. He is our final and only hope. Thank God
that He has overcome the world!
To be clothed in the robe of Christ's righteousness is not
simply an intellectual assent to orthodox doctrine. It is an ex-
perience that brings repentance, a new heart, and personal
trust and abiding in the all-sufficient Christ in whom is all the
fullness of the Godhead (Col. 2:9).
We look forward to the final moments of our existence on this
world, scarred in life's battles but victorious in Christ. Heaven
will be open to those who have not compromised their faith,
have not lowered their banners in the dust, but have pressed on
to reach the goal. "Here is the patience [endurance, RSV] of the
saints" (Rev. 14:12).
Ellen White gives this heartening assurance:
"All who ever enter heaven's gates will enter as conquerors.
When the redeemed throng surround the throne of God, with
palm branches in their hands and crowns on their heads, it will
be known what victories have been won. It will be seen how
Satan's power has been exercised over minds, how he has
linked with himself souls who flattered themselves that they
were doing God's will. It will then be seen that his power and
subtlety could not have been successfully resisted had not
divine power been combined with human effort. Man must also
be victor over himself; his temper, inclinations, and spirit must
be brought into subjection to the will of God. But the righteous-
ness and strength of Christ avail for all who will claim His
merits."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 384.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 674-678.
111
Lessons for 2nd Quarter/1977
Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Lessons for the
second quarter of 1977 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two
lessons. The title of the series is "Jesus, the Model Man."
First Lesson
GOD WITH US. Memory text, Matt. 1:23.
1. Jesus, God in Every Respect (John 1:1, 14)
2. Jesus, the Word of God (John 1:14, 18)
3. Jesus, the Creator (John 1:3)
4. Jesus, Life and Light (John 1:4)
5. Jesus, the Sustainer of Life (Col. 1:16, 17)
6. Jesus, the Glory of God (John 1:14, last part)
Second Lesson
GOD WITH US. Memory text, Matt. 1:23.
1. The Word Became Flesh (John 1:14)
2. Partook of the Same Nature (Heb. 2:14, 16, 17)
3. Tempted as We Are (Heb. 4:15)
4. Example of Obedience (Heb. 5:7-9)
5. Complete Dependency on Heavenly Father (John 5:19, 30)
6. The Controversy Settled (Heb. 6:19, 20)
Lessons in 3raille
.
The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in Braille
and 162/3 rpm records to blind and physically handicapped persons who cannot read
normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple
sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal
inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097,
Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.
112
After VBS is over
for the year, send a 3-month complimentary
subscription for OUR
LITTLE FRIEND
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1113
Brought to you by Pacific Press
"But I don't
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'.
d
Years ago, many Advent-
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still are. But the majority of
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fields far-removed from
tilling the soil.
The idea of a Sabbath
School Investment pro-
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mind an acre of wheat
specifically set aside for
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Maybe that's why many
of us are not yet involved
in an investment project
If you've been missing
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partnership with God in
an investment project,
don't blame it on the fac
that you "don't own a
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Be creative. Think of
special project this quar
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whatever better idea you
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eternity.
Invest with God
Unlimited partnership opportunities still available.
The SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST ENCYCLO-
PEDIA has just been completely revised,
with more than 400 pages of new material,
covering events and changes since the first
edition ten years ago.
The one book •iiout Adventists
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This volume is the most complete book of
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addition to current information about
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spective. Read articles about beliefs of the
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The SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST ENCYCLO-
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home. All will benefit from this book.
Commentary Reference Set owners will
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revised volume 10. Regular price $16.75,
special price $12.75—offer expires March 31,
1977.
LIBRARY EMPHASIS SPECIAL
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£0
sa
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rfttial tom,,
.geria
US,
7,a,
Unions
Church
S.S.
Population Churches Members Members
British U.C.
61,343,361
149
12,631
13,925
Finland U.C.
4,700,000
51
5,678
5,955
Netherlands U.C.
13,500,000
46
3,647
2,823
Nigerian U.M.
58,344,582
214
34,676
83,218
Polish U.C.
33,000,000
120
4,095
4,572
Swedish U.C.
8,433,000
57
3,748
4,842
West African U.M. 28,350,000
156
30,607
61,983
West Nordic U.C.
8,726,336
128
9,398
8,406
Iceland C.
213,070
7
500
476
Division Totals
216,610,349
928
104,980
186,200
(Figures as of 3rd quarter 1975)
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